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WILLACY COUNTY PARK, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN, 2010-2020

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D R A F T

Willacy County Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, 2010 - 2020


DRAFT RESOLUTION

RESOLUTION NO. __________

A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS COURT OF WILLACY COUNTY, TEXAS ADOPTING THE 2010-2020 PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE MEETING AT WHICH THIS RESOLUTION WAS PASSED WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BY LAW.

WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court of Willacy County recognizes the need for a 2010-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (the “Plan”) to provide goals, assessments, standards, recommendations and strategies for implementation over a ten-year period in an effort to provide for and continually improve park and recreational facilities, provide trail opportunities, preserve open spaces and rehabilitate existing parks in Willacy County; and

WHEREAS, the primary objective of the “Plan” is to provide recreational services desired by the citizens of Willacy County, acquire needed open spaces, and preserve natural resources; and

WHEREAS, in order to address recreational needs in the future, Willacy County has sought input from the citizens of the County through a printed and Internet survey, public input meetings, including meetings of the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force; and that input has been incorporated into the “Plan”; and

WHEREAS, the “Plan” complies with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department master plan guidelines which require parks and recreation needs to be prioritized and addressed in an action plan format; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioners Court determines that the “Plan” is reasonable;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSIONER’S COURT OF WILLACY COUNTY, TEXAS:

I. That the 2010-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan for Willacy County, Texas is hereby officially adopted, as attached hereto and incorporated herein for all intents and purposes.

II. A ten-year Action Plan has been developed to prioritize implementation of the 2010-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, guide the rehabilitation of existing parks, provide guidance in the application of funding, and suggest alternative funding mechanisms.

Adoption of the 2010-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan shall not commit Willacy County, or any jurisdiction within Willacy County, to specific funding levels or implementation strategies, but shall provide a guidance plan for the County’s vision for availability and growth of park and recreational services.

PRESENTED AND PASSED on this the __________ day of __________ 2010, by a vote of __________ yeas and __________ nays at a regular meeting of the Commissioners Court of Willacy County, Texas.

_________________________County Judge

ATTEST

_________________________County Administrative Assistant

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CONTENT:

_________________________County Attorney

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TABLE OF CONTENTSACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................................................5

Willacy County Commissioner’s Court................................................................5Members of the Willacy County Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force....................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION............................................................................................7

Importance of Parks and Recreation................................................7Purpose of the Comprehensive Master Plan.....................................7Willacy County’s and Other Jurisdiction’s Roles in Providing Recreation Opportunities.................................................................8County Overview...............................................................................8

Location...............................................................................................................9History.................................................................................................................9Climate..............................................................................................................10Geology..............................................................................................................10Vegetation and Animal Life...............................................................................11Demographics....................................................................................................11Economy............................................................................................................13Education...........................................................................................................13Jurisdiction and Planning Areas........................................................................13

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES............................................................................14

Plan Development Process..............................................................18Public Meetings.................................................................................................18Survey of Area Needs.........................................................................................18

AREA AND FACILITY CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS..................................20

INVENTORY OF AREAS AND FACILITIES...................................................22

Inventory.........................................................................................22Willacy County Schools Facilities...................................................23Sports Programs and Participation................................................24Other Recreation Options...............................................................24

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION............................................25

Overview of the Approaches to Determine Need............................25Demand-based Approach: the Community Survey and Community Meetings.........................................................................................25Standards-based Approach: A Comparison of Existing Infrastructure to Locally-Adopted Standards.................................26

Community Parks..............................................................................................26Special Use Areas..............................................................................................27Sports & Recreation Complex...........................................................................27

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Resource-based Approach: Recognizing the County’s Coastal Environment and Unique Natural Resources.................................27

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS........................28

Plan Implementation......................................................................28Priority Rankings..............................................................................................28Outdoor Facility Priority Ranking.....................................................................28Indoor Facility Priority Ranking........................................................................28

Renovation and Replacement.........................................................28Recreational Programming.............................................................28Recognizing the Needs of Seniors and Youth.................................29

Seniors...............................................................................................................29Youth.................................................................................................................29

Financing........................................................................................29Local Government Funding...............................................................................30State & Federal Financing.................................................................................30Private Sector Funding......................................................................................32

APPENDICES...............................................................................................33

Appendix A......................................................................................34Map of Willacy County.......................................................................................34

Appendix B......................................................................................35Map of Raymondville.........................................................................................35

Appendix C......................................................................................36Map of Lasara....................................................................................................36

Appendix D......................................................................................37Map of Lyford....................................................................................................37

Appendix E......................................................................................38Map of Port Mansfield.......................................................................................38

Appendix F......................................................................................39Map of San Perlita.............................................................................................39

Appendix G......................................................................................40Map of Sebastian...............................................................................................40

Appendix H......................................................................................41Willacy County Parks and Recreation Community Survey................................41

Appendix I.......................................................................................43Encuesta de Condado de Willacy.......................................................................43

Appendix J.......................................................................................45TPWD Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Guidelines....................45

Appendix K......................................................................................50Survey Results...................................................................................................50

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Willacy County Commissioner’s Court

Hon. Aurelio “Keter” Guerra, Acting County Judge

Hon. Eliberto “Beto” Guerra, County Commissioner Precinct 1

Hon. Eddie Chapa, County Commissioner Precinct 2

Hon. Fred Serrato, County Commissioner Precinct 3

Hon. Aurelio “Keter” Guerra, County Commissioner Precinct 4

Prepared by:

Peter A Ravella Consultant, LLC

4107 Wildwood Road Austin, TX 78722

512.784.3565 (Ph) 866.784.3959 (Fax)

Frank Fuller, Consultant, Project Manager

Kay Pils, Project Coordinator

Peter A. Ravella, Principle

Cover Page: Photo of Willacy County Wildflowers, March 2010

All photographs copyright Kay Pils March 2010

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Members of the Willacy County Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force

Task Force Co-Chairs & Staff

Aurelio Guerra, Co-Chair, Willacy County Acting County Judge

Mike Wilson, Co-Chair, Director Willacy County Navigation District

Rebecca Chapa, Task Force Secretary, Willacy County Administrative Assistant

Ida Martinez, Willacy County Auditor

Task Force Consultants

Peter A. Ravella, Task Force Project Manager

Frank R. Fuller, Task Force Project Coordinator

M. Kay Pils, Task Force Project Specialist

Task Force Members

Eleazar “Yogi” Garcia, City Manager, City of Raymondville

Oscar De Luna, Mayor, City of San Perlita

Lydia Moreno, City Secretary, City of Lyford

Eliberto Guerra, Willacy County Commissioner, Precinct 1

Johnny I. Piñeda, Superintendent, Raymondville ISD

Rolando Peña, Superintendent, Lasara ISD

Albert Peña, Superintendent, San Perlita ISD

Eduardo Infante, Superintendent, Lyford CISC

Tommie Martin, Operations Manager Sebastian MUD

Gabe Guzman, Raymondville Chamber of Commerce

Robert Hulen, Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce

Terry Neal, Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce

Elma Chavez, Director Raymondville Chamber of Commerce

PAGE 7 OF 70


INTRODUCTION

Importance of Parks and Recreation

Parks play a critical role in defining communities. They are places to recreate, socialize, and relax. If developed and maintained appropriately, they can offer additional benefits to a community. An adequate park system can:

Promote a conservation ethic;

Entice businesses to locate within a community;

Unify communities within a county around recreational and health goals;

Offer a forum for personal interaction, community-building and play;

Connect youth and adults to nature;

Present a consistent community image;

Serve as a venue for both youth and adult environmental education; and

Enhance community economic development through ecotourism.

Well-maintained parks, natural areas, and open space are often the first things visitors will notice about a community. Parks provide a visible example of how well communities are functioning, both through efficient and engaged governments and private sector support.

Purpose of the Comprehensive Master Plan

Governments at all levels recognize that taxpayers demand both the efficient delivery of services and wise expenditures of limited financial resources. A Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (Master Plan), based on locally-identified needs and priorities, will help ensure that a park system is maintained, developed, and, when necessary, rehabilitated in a manner that ensures a community’s long term support.

A Master Plan presents a list of options for park development and rehabilitation based on community input, ranks those options in terms of need and priority, establishes a timeline for implementing elements of the Master Plan, and identifies funding sources to accomplish Master Plan goals. The County’s last Master Plan was completed and adopted by the Commissioner’s Court in June 2003.

The Willacy County 2010-2020 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan will provide guidance to the County and communities within the County as they work together to improve and maintain park infrastructure, conserve and interpret unique natural areas, provide for recreational programming, and promote ecotourism.

In developing the Master Plan, the County is aware that multiple jurisdictions within it are also interested in developing recreation facilities. To assist those communities, the County has developed its Master Plan in a manner that will allow other jurisdictions to identify their unique local needs, rank local priorities, and then adopt the County’s Master Plan with an addendum that reflects local priorities 1 .

1 For more information see Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s “Outdoor Recreation Grant Application, Appendix G: Master Plan Guidelines” (revised

February 2008/corrections May 2008), page 75.

INTRODUCTION PAGE 8 OF 70


The Master Plan fulfills the requirements of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Local Park Grant Program. Plan components are presented in a format that tracks TPWD’s requirements. Additionally, the plan is intended to assist with the implementation of the state’s Coastal Management Program (CMP). Portions of Willacy County east of State Highway 77 are within the state’s coastal management boundary. The CMP is intended to protect, enhance and provide public access to Coastal Natural Resource Areas such as wetlands, beaches, sand flats, seagrass beds, and the open waters of the Laguna Madre and Gulf of Mexico. Park and conservation projects falling within the coastal management boundary may be eligible for CMP grants.

The plan will:

Give an overview of Willacy County’s history, providing background information such as its history, geography, and socio-economic data;

Discuss the County’s role in providing for parks and recreation opportunities;

Present the County’s park, recreation, conservation, and ecotourism goals;

Inventory existing park, recreation, and conservation facilities;

Rank the needs for outdoor and indoor recreational opportunities based on citizen and community group input; and

Help community leaders determine where and how park, recreation and conservation funding should be allocated over the next 10 years.

Willacy County’s and Other Jurisdiction’s Roles in Providing Recreation Opportunities

Park and recreation opportunities within Willacy County are offered by multiple jurisdictions. The County maintains one county park in Port Mansfield on Willacy County Navigation District property. The City of Raymondville, which is both the county seat and its largest community, maintains the bulk of the park infrastructure within the County. Park infrastructure is also found in Lyford and Sebastian.

Schools provide additional park infrastructure, but these facilities are not generally available for public use. Some school districts, during the plan development process, have expressed an interest in partnering with the County to provide publically accessible park infrastructure.

A portion of the Padre Island National Seashore is located within Willacy County. However, with the exception of private boat access, the National Seashore and the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico on both North and South Padre Island are not accessible to the general public from within the County.

The Willacy County 2010-2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan includes the County’s entire


Figure 1 Photo of Coast at Port Mansfield


jurisdiction. Because multiple jurisdictions play a significant role in the delivery of park, recreation and open space programming, Willacy County has designed the plan so that it can be modified and adopted through addendums by jurisdictions within the County.

County Overview

The information provided under the section titled “County Overview” (below) is intended to provide general information that may be beneficial in the development of the Master Plan and future park, recreation, and conservation efforts. In some cases, the reader may wish to research an area in more detail. To facilitate further research efforts that go beyond the scope of this Master Plan, the document cites sources of information and, in some cases, suggests references for further exploration.

Location

Willacy County is located in South Texas, some 30 miles north of the Texas-Mexico border and adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered to the north by Kenedy County, to the west by Hidalgo County, to the south by Cameron County, and to the east by the Gulf of Mexico.

State Highway 77 is the major transportation artery running north/south through the county, providing a transportation linkage between the Corpus Christi/Kingsville area and the communities of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The county seat of Raymondville is approximately 21 miles from Harlingen.

Figure 2 Photo of "Santa Maria de Yciar, San Esteban, Esperitu Santa" Mural by Ramon Claudio



History

Willacy County’s history is rooted in ranching and agriculture.2 The County was formed out of parts of Cameron and Hidalgo Counties in 1911. At the time, the county included portions of what is now Kenedy County. In 1921, Willacy County was reorganized with the northern portion of the County, dominated by ranching interests, becoming Kenedy County, while the southern portion of the County, known for agricultural products, remained Willacy County.

Key historical events or locations, among others, that may be relevant to park development and interpretation include:

The Padre Island Spanish Shipwrecks of 1554. The Mansfield Cut Underwater Archeological District contains the scattered remains of three shipwrecks near Mansfield cut;3 4

Native American history, including the presence of nomadic Coahuiltecan Indians5 for nearly 11,000 years, and the Karankawa Indians living along the coast;6

Spanish exploration in the area;

The history of the Texas Ranch Country and agricultural development in the County and the Lower Rio Grande Valley;

The development of Port Mansfield and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway;

The use of La Sal Vieja, a saltwater lake, now part of the Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge, that supplied salt to much of northern Mexico and the Confederacy;7 and

The creation of the Padre Island National Seashore.

An excellent resource for further study of Willacy County history is The Handbook to Texas, published by the Texas Historical Association. An online version is available at http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/.

Climate

Willacy County is located in semi-arid South Texas. According to The Handbook to Texas, Willacy County’s climate is subtropical-humid; tropical storms and hurricanes are possible from June through October. Temperatures range from an average low of 48° F to a high of 69° in January and from 74° to 95° in July. Rainfall averages twenty-seven inches a year, and the growing season lasts for 318 days.8

Tropical storms, hurricanes, and coastal flooding must be considered when developing and maintaining park infrastructure. Willacy County was hit by Hurricane Dolly, a Category 1 storm, near the Cameron/Willacy County border on July 23, 2008. The storm caused extensive damage in Port Mansfield, including damage to the public fishing pier at the

2 Much of the historical discussion is excerpted from the Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. ","

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/hcw10.html (accessed April 13, 2010).

3 Wikipedia contributors, "Mansfield Cut Underwater Archeological District," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?

title=Mansfield_Cut_Underwater_Archeological_District&oldid=353014132 (accessed April 13, 2010).

4 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "," http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/PP/etpfe.html (accessed April 13, 2010).

5 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. "," http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/bmcah.html (accessed April 13, 2010).

6 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/hcw10.html (accessed April 13, 2010).

7 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/LL/rol1.html (accessed April 13, 2010).

8 Handbook of Texas Online, s.v. http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/hcw10.html (accessed April 13, 2010).


http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/WW/hcw10.html

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/LL/rol1.html


http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/CC/bmcah.html

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/PP/etpfe.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mansfield_Cut_Underwater_Archeological_District&oldid=353014132

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mansfield_Cut_Underwater_Archeological_District&oldid=353014132



County’s Fred Stone Park. The pier and other park facilities damaged by the hurricane are now undergoing repair or restoration. Port Mansfield was hit by Hurricane Allen as a Category 3 storm in 1980, and the area was affected by Hurricane Beulah, which hit Brownsville in 1967.9

Geology

Willacy County is generally flat with a slight rise from the coast to the western part of the County. Soils are primarily comprised of sands and clays. Some of the soils types, especially those dominated by fine sands, like those associated with dune complexes near the coast, are inappropriate for recreational infrastructure, but may be appropriate for environmental and geological interpretation. Soil types, like other significant factors such as flood zones, should be considered prior to construction of recreational facilities. Detailed soil maps, along with explanations of Willacy County soil surveys can be obtained from:

Natural Resources Conservation ServiceAttention: Soils Section101 S. Main StreetTemple, TX 76501 or online at The Cooperative Soil Survey http://soils.missouri.edu/survey/texas.asp# .

Vegetation and Animal Life

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department “2005 Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan,” Willacy County is located in the South Texas Plains Ecoregion. TPWD notes that the area consists of level to rolling terrain characterized by dense brush. Overtime, much of the native brush habitat has been converted to agricultural use, making conservation and restoration of the native brush habitat a relatively high conservation priority. Plant life in the area is characterized by thorn-scrub habitat found through much of South Texas and includes species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), acacias (Acacia spp.), granjeno (Celtis pallida), and cacti. According to TPWD, rare plants and communities found in the area include the Texas ebony-anacua, Texas palmetto and Texas ebony-snake-eyes assemblages. Rare species include Walker’s manioc, star cactus, Texas ayenia and Zapata bladderpod. North and South Padre Islands contain vegetation types, such as sea oats, typical of barrier island dune/swell complexes. Port Mansfield and other areas of the County adjacent to the Laguna Madre contain a mix of vegetation that is typified by salt tolerant wetland species in depressional areas and thorn/scrub in upland areas.

Willacy County, like the rest of the Lower Rio Grande Valley is particularly rich in bird and butterfly life. Willacy County also contains habitat for the endangered ocelot. The area is known for its large mammals including white tailed dear and javelina.

Demographics

Willacy County is one of the most economically challenged in the nation, and is the poorest coastal county in the country based on federal poverty rates. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates Willacy County’s population in 2009 at 20,395. The Census reported the

9 “Texas Worst Hurricanes in the 20th Century,” Texas Department of Insurance, http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/storms/hsplash.html (accessed April

13, 2010)


Figure 3 Photo of a Couch's Kingbird at La Sal del Rey, Willacy

County

http://soils.missouri.edu/survey/texas.asp

http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/consumer/storms/hsplash.html


County’s population in 2000 as 20,082. Willacy County has a population density of 33.6 people per square mile compared to the state average of 79.6 people per square mile.10

The populations11 for the County’s population centers in 2000 were:

Raymondville: 9,733

Lasara: 1,024

Lyford: 1,973

Port Mansfield: 415

San Perlita: 680

Sebastian: 1,864

The Texas State Demographer provides population projections by County. Table 1 illustrates the anticipated population growth to 2040. Between 2010 and 2040, the County’s population is expected to grow approximately 25 percent. These growth projections do not take into account recent economic developments (discussed below) that may impact population growth.

10 “Willacy County MapStats from FedStats,” Note: FedStats is a federal government website that compiles statistical information from various federal

agencies. It can be accessed at www.fedstats.gov

11 U.S. Census Bureau, 2000


http://www.fedstats.gov/


TABLE 1: WILLACY COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS12 13

Year Estimated Population

2010 23,011

2015 24,510

2020 25,876

2025 27,190

2030 28,450

2035 29,587

2040 30,512

Table 2, below, provides a summary of the County’s key demographic statistics, based on the 2000 Census Bureau. The Table provides, as appropriate, summary information for the nation for comparison purposes.

TABLE 2: SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF WILLACY COUNTY (2000 CENSUS)

Willacy County Population

Willacy County by Percentage

U.S. Population by Percentage

Total Population 20,082

White and Hispanic 14,132 70.4% 75.1%

Black or African American 439 2.2% 12.3%

American Indian and Native Alaskan 101 .5% .9%

Asian 22 .1% 3.6%

Native Indian/Pacific Islander 6 0.0% .1%

Some other race 4,912 24.5% 5.5%

Two or more races 470 2.3% 2.4%

Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 17,209 85.71% 12.5%

High School Graduate or higher 5,524 48.7% 80.4%

Bachelor’s Degree or higher 850 7.5% 24.4%

Speaks Language Other Than English at Home14 14,376 78.1% 17.9%

Vacant Housing Units 1,143 17.0% 9.0%

Median Age 29.8 years N/A 35.5 years

Under 5 years 1,645 8.2% 6.8%

18 years or older 13,730 68.4% 74.3%

65 years or older 2,328 11.6% 12.4%

Per capita income (1999 dollars) $9,421 N/A $21,587

Families Below Federal Poverty Level 1,341 29.2% 9.2%

Individuals Below Federal Poverty Level 6,300 33.2% 12.4%

12 Texas State Data Center and the Office of the State Demographer, “Population Projections for Counties, 2008 Population Projections.”

13

14 According to the 2000 Census, 14,329 individuals spoke Spanish at home. The Census notes that approximately 83 percent of this group spoke English

“very well” or “well,” while approximately 11 percent of the group reported speaking English as “not well,” with 6 percent reporting speaking English “not at

all.”



The socio-economic summary above provides information that may help guide park and recreation development and maintenance, and programming. The economic situation of individuals living within the county may limit somewhat the ability to pay additional taxes or user fees to support park development and maintenance, or to participate in recreational programs (sports leagues, after school recreation programs, etc.). Additionally, the County’s age distribution is lower than the national average, indicating that there might be a higher need for facilities and programming catering specifically to youth. The County’s low population density and the relatively small size of many of the County’s communities may also help guide the development of park and recreation infrastructure and programming.

Economy

Agricultural and ranching are the largest economic sectors in Willacy County. According to the federal government, in 2007, the County had 338,048 acres of farmland that produced approximately $51,200,000 worth of agricultural products.15 Other important economic sectors include transportation and warehousing, construction, retail trade, real estate and leasing, professional services, healthcare and social services, art, entertainment and recreation, and accommodations and food services.16

The major employers in the County include: Willacy County Regional Processing Center (520 employees), Raymondville ISD (400 employees), Wal-Mart (200 employees), Willacy County Regional Detention Facility (220 employees), United States Department of Homeland Security (350 employees).

Recently, Willacy County has experienced economic development associated with the construction and operation of a new prison. The County is also in negotiation with a firm that may construct and operate a large wind electric generation farm in the County. The addition of the prison, and a large wind electric generation facility, could significantly enhance and diversify the County’s economic base.

Education

Approximately 49 percent of Willacy County residents over 25 years of age are high school graduates or higher, with 7.5 percent of the population having a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The County is served by Lasara Independent School District, the Lyford Consolidated Independent School District, the Raymondville Independent School District, and the San Perlita Independent School District.

Jurisdiction and Planning Areas

Willacy County covers an area of approximately 784 square miles of which 597 square miles is land and 188 square miles is water/submerged land. Willacy County falls within the planning area for Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Council (LRGVDC). The entire county was considered the planning area for the Master Plan.

15 U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Census of Agriculture, 2007

16 U.S. Census Bureau, 2007.



GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goals in the Master Plan were developed in coordination with County officials, and the members of the Willacy County Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force, which includes school district superintendents, representatives of incorporated and unincorporated communities within Willacy County, representatives of the Willacy County Navigation District, the Raymondville and Port Mansfield Chambers of Commerce, and other community stakeholders. The goals are also reflective of the community survey, the area’s unique natural resources, and the availability of coastal-specific grant funding sources, such as the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP) and the state Coastal Management Program (CMP) grants, that allow enhanced recreational development, conservation activities, and environmental education programs in coastal portions of the County.

The County expects that as the work of the Willacy County Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force continues, and community needs change over time, new goals and objectives will arise. Timeframes for achieving existing goals and objectives may also change. The goals and objectives outlined in this plan span the 10-year time frame required of TPWD Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, however, it is anticipated that the plan will be updated well before 10 years has elapsed.

Note on Timing: At the time of the Adoption of the Willacy County Park, Recreation and Master Plan 2010-2020, federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds are being made available to the state.

Approximately $35 million (estimated) is expected to be awarded to Texas coastal counties through a grant competitive process administered by the Governor’s Coastal Land Advisory Board made up of the General Land Office, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the Railroad Commission of Texas. The timing of CIAP grant solicitation and awards may run well into 2011 and the expenditure of CIAP funds may extend through 2014.

Under federal law, CIAP funds must be used for the following purposes:

Projects and activities for the conservation, or restoration of coastal areas, including wetlands

Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources

Planning assistance and the administrative costs

Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or comprehensive conservation management plan

Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects and public service needs

While not specifically mentioned, CIAP funded projects can include park infrastructure such as nature trails, wildlife viewing stations, and boardwalks that are protective of coastal resources and other conservation initiatives. Additionally, the funds can be used for habitat acquisition and restoration, and environmental education programs.

Depending on state and federal grant solicitation and administrative requirements, and Willacy County’s (and jurisdictions within Willacy County) success in competing for CIAP funds, the timing of some goals, objectives, and projects may change substantially.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES PAGE 16 OF 70


TABLE 3: GOALS & OBJECTIVES IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Goal 1: Inventory, Rehabilitate, and Develop Park Infrastructure To Accommodate the Needs of Willacy County’s Population Centers

Objective 1.1: Develop a Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan consistent with TPWD requirements

X

Objective 1.2: Develop community parks in population centers without them X

Objective 1.3: Add additional park facilities within existing community parks that fulfill additional needs

X X X

Objective 1.4: Identify funding sources for both park infrastructure and operations and maintenance

X X X X

Goal 2: Significantly Enhance Recreation, Water Access, and Environmental Education Opportunities in Port Mansfield

Objective 2.1: Develop an on-the-ground Conceptual Plan for implementation of Port Mansfield recreational, conservation, and educational enhancements

X

Objective 2.2: Implement Phase I of on-the-ground improvements at the Laguna Point location at Port Mansfield with funds already awarded by the state’s Coastal Management Program and the federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program

X X

Objective 2.3: Develop additional facilities at Port Mansfield specifically-designed to enhance outdoor public environmental education and increase ecotourism

X X X X

Objective 2.4: Work with the State’s Coastal Management Program to more clearly define ways in which the Willacy County Navigation District can protect and enhance Coastal Natural Resource Areas while increasing public access to coastal waters

X X X

Objective 2.5: Develop and implement a phased grant/funding plan aimed at using CMP grants to implement Objective 2.4

X X X X X X X X X X

Objective 2.6: Evaluate the possibility of providing free or low-cost transportation from Port Mansfield to the Gulf Beaches of North or South Padre Island

X X

Objective 2.7: Develop and implement an Operations and Maintenance Plan for park and conservation infrastructure at Port Mansfield

X

Objective 2.8: Evaluate the feasibility of developing an indoor environmental learning/nature center at Port Mansfield (see also Objective 4.5)

X



2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Goal 3: Develop a County Sports Complex

Objective 3.1: Conduct a Feasibility Plan to assist with the assessment of need, recommend facility types, and evaluate land acquisition, construction, and maintenance costs.

X

Objective 3.2: Develop a funding strategy for the construction, and operation and maintenance of the Sports Complex

X

Objective 3.3: Seek Funding for Sports Complex Development X

Objective 3.4: Construct Sports Complex X

Objective 3.5: Maintain and operate the Sport Complex and associated programming (sport’s leagues, etc.)

X X X X X X X

Goal 4: Work to Increase Environmental Education and Ecotourism Opportunities

Objective 4.1: Inventory existing publically-owned sites that would benefit from environmental interpretation

X

Objective 4.2: Work with state and federal natural resource managers to identify acquisition or conservation activities that would enhance both conservation and ecotourism

X X

Objective 4.3: Develop a coordinated ecotourism and implement campaign X X

Objective 4.4: Develop an environmental education program for area youth X X

Objective 4.5: Evaluate the feasibility of developing an indoor environmental learning/nature center at Port Mansfield OR elsewhere in the County (See Objective 2.8)

X

Goal 5: Enhance Recreational Programming

Objective 5.1: Determine demand for programming such as additional sport leagues and organized senior activities

X

Objective 5.2: Implement recreational programs if demand exists and funding sources can be found

X



2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Goal 6: Promote Intergovernmental Coordination and Community Involvement in the Implementation and Review of Park, Recreation, Conservation and Ecotourism Activities

Objective 6.1: Continue to Coastal and Recreational Ecotourism Task Force to guide implementation of the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP)

X X X

Objective 6.2: Consider using the Task Force for continued intergovernmental cooperation and community input after CIAP funds have been expended

X X X X X X X X X

Objective 6.3: Establish a fund development subcommittee of the Task Force to help evaluate financing options for both park infrastructure, and operations and maintenance

X X X

Objective 6.4: Update the Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan every 5 years to ensure eligibility for TPWD funding

X X



Plan Development Process

Willacy County’s first master plan was adopted in 2003. The following year, the City of Raymondville developed a master plan. Since that time, little recreational development has occurred and some of the needs identified by the County and the City are not being met.

The County and other jurisdictions began working informally with the staff of the Coastal Management Program (CMP) and the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP), both coordinated by the General Land Office, to develop natural area conservation and park-related projects for Port Mansfield and other areas projects within the County that would benefit from funds provided the CIAP and CMP programs. Those informal meeting took place in 2008 and 2009.

PARC joined those conversations in 2009 as a contractor to the Willacy County Navigation District on issues related to the state’s coastal funding sources. The County hired PARC in January 2010 to:

Assist in the programming and administration of the Coastal Impact Assistance Program funds;

Establish the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force, and

Develop the Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

Undertake other related tasks.

Public Meetings

PARC and the County used the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force as the coordinating entity for the development of the Master Plan. The County and members of the Task Force believe that the multi-jurisdictional, cooperative approach fostered by the Task Force will ensure efficient expenditures of local and grant funds through coordinated planning and implementation of park and conservation projects.

The Task Force met five times during the Master Plan development process on January 14, 2010 (11 attendees), January 22, 2010 (13 attendees), February 8, 2010 (35 attendees), March 23, 2010 (40 attendees), and May 21, 2010 (40 attendees). A list of Task Force members can be found in the preface.

At the March 23, 2010 meeting, participants, which included county and city officials, school districts superintendents, members from local chambers of commerce, among others, reviewed Master Plan elements. They discussed and agreed to “Area and Facility Concepts and Standards.”

Survey of Area Needs

Concurrent with the input of the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force, the County and PARC developed, in English and Spanish, a park, open space and recreational survey to gauge the community’s interest in park and recreation programs and facilities, and natural area conservation.

The survey was available online and distributed in hard copy form at restaurants, local government offices, and through the County’s school districts. The Reber Memorial Library in Raymondville displayed flyers at public computers located within the library to



direct users to the online survey. The County advertised the survey in the Raymondville Chronicle/Willacy County News on March 31, 2010. On March 19th and 20th, 2010 PARC also conducted in-person surveys at local restaurants, Smiley Park in Raymondville during the Little League Opening Ceremony Day and at a community fish fry. The Raymondville Chamber of Commerce, all of the Willacy County school districts, Port Mansfield Chamber of Commerce and the Willacy County Navigation District sent out surveys to community members. Finally, in support of the survey, PARC conducted informal interviews with key stakeholders and decision-makers including local clergy, elected officials, school district superintendents, Willacy County Navigation District personnel, a TPWD game warden, and anglers in Port Mansfield.

A copy of the survey, in Spanish and English, the newspaper announcement, and the survey results are included in the Appendices. More than 340 individuals completed the survey, a high response rate, and among the notable results were the following:

98% said the county should work to improve OUTDOOR recreation facilities, especially by adding playgrounds, picnic and bar-b-que areas, hike and bike trails, and baseball fields

94% said the county should improve INDOOR recreation facilities, especially fitness and aerobic rooms, and basketball, bowling, and swimming pool facilities

More than 70% of respondents said they would participate in recreational programs if more facilities were available

77% of respondents said they would like to see park improvements in Port Mansfield, such as fishing piers, bird watching areas, trail improvements, and kayak launches.



AREA AND FACILITY CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS

The recognized guide for establishing area and facility concept and standards is Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines developed jointly by the National Recreation and Park Association and the American Academy for Park and Recreation Standards.17 Both the published guidelines and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department encourage local communities to develop their own standards based on local geography, demographic information, local capacity, identified recreation and open space needs, among other factors.

In approaching the development of local area concepts and standards, Willacy County and the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force considered a number of factors.

These included:

The nature of ownership and management of existing park systems within the county.

Willacy County operates one park within the County at Port Mansfield called Fred Stone Park. The bulk of the County’s park and recreation needs are served by the City of Raymondville, other local communities, and area school districts. In promoting parks, recreation, and open space opportunities in the community, the County seeks to support and enhance the capacity of existing park providers to meet community needs through partnerships with municipalities, the Willacy County Navigation District, and local school districts.

The County recognizes that the communities and potential local partners face multiple challenges and limited resources. However, cooperative partnerships present the greatest opportunity for the County to efficiently provide for the acquisition, development, and maintenance of additional park and recreational facilities.

The County’s geography and location of existing parks.

The County has a low population density, with the population centered in Raymondville and a handful of smaller communities. The County seeks to ensure that each of the population centers has park facilities, and in doing so, focus its limited resources.

The County, while having an extensive coastline, has little coastal access.

The County seeks to develop public access to the shorelines in order to provide recreational opportunities for local citizens and promote tourism. Additionally, the County recognized that funds from program such as the state’s Coastal Management Program and the federal Coastal Impact Assistance Program could enhance the County’s capacity to develop park services in the Port Mansfield area.

Based on the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, the demographic, geographic and funding concepts discussed above, and community input, the County defined and adopted three park types that it would like to support, enhance, and/or develop. The area and facility concepts and standards were reviewed and discussed at the March 23, 2010 meeting of the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force.

The three park types are:

17 Mertes, James D. and Hall, James R. Hall; Park Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines; National Recreation and Park Association; 1996.

AREA AND FACILITY CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS PAGE 22 OF 70


Community Parks: parks, ranging in size from approximately one acre to 50 acres, serve a specific geographic region.

The parks provide a variety of recreational opportunities that may include ball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools. While the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines recommend that these parks serve a population living between one to three miles, this criteria of the guideline is not practicable in Willacy County due to the distance that many residents live away from publically-owned property and the County’s relatively low population density. The County anticipates that each community will further define the specific infrastructure / recreational opportunities located within a community park based on locally identified needs.

Special Use Parks: parks that are oriented to a single purpose.

As adopted by these standards, the County considers the recreational facilities on the approximately 1,800 acres owned by the Willacy County Navigation District (which contains the unincorporated development of Port Mansfield) as a special use park.

The facilities within Port Mansfield, including Fred Stone Park, are largely geared to coastal recreation. They provide access to the Laguna Madre through a pier at Fred Stone Park and unimproved shore access elsewhere and, through the use of private boats, the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A looped nature trail, approximately 500 feet in length, provides both opportunities for exercise such as walking or running, and wildlife viewing. To date, general public access has been limited.

Sports & Recreation Complex: consolidates heavily programmed athletic fields and associated facilities into one location that serves a larger community need.18

The County is considering promoting the development of a Sport & Recreation Complex in Raymondville. A smaller field complex within a larger park does exist in Sebastian, but its location in the southern portion of the County makes it difficult for the majority of county residents living in the Raymondville area and in northern Willacy County, to access it.

Figure 4 Photo of SMUD Sports Facility in Sebastian

18 Mertes, James D. and Hall, James R. Hall; Park Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines; National Recreation and Park Association; 1996; p. 95

and pp. 105 -107.

AREA AND FACILITY CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS PAGE 23 OF 70


INVENTORY OF AREAS AND FACILITIES

Inventory

A facility inventory is instrumental in analyzing and determining recreation facility needs for existing and forecasted populations. Willacy County maintains one park, Fred Stone Park in Port Mansfield and relies on partnerships with other entities to provide park and recreational opportunities to citizen.

The following two tables illustrate the publically accessible, publically owned park inventory in the County.

TABLE 4: PARK INVENTORY BY LOCATION

NAME LOCATION PARK SIZE FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Lyford City Park Lyford 3 Acres 1 covered and lit basketball court w/ restroom facilities, 6 park benches, 2 picnic tables, 8 swings, 3 seesaws, 2 tower gyms w/curve slide, no lights or covers in park proper

Lyford High School

Lyford 8 Acres Open schoolyard adjacent to High School, 1 high school track w/ adjoining field, football stadium (not available to public), modern fenced playscape w/climbing wall, swings, geodesic jungle gym, 4 swings, 3 chin-up bars, climbing gym, hand ladder, double slide, 2 tables, 3 benches, fall zone

Pony League Park

Raymondville 3 Acres 1 fenced baseball field with some bleachers, open ball field/no bleachers, restrooms, 8 swings, gym w/slide, monkey bars, water fountain, lights

Fred Stone Park Port Mansfield

>1 acre 5,360 Square Foot Pier, which includes a 1,400 Square Foot “T-Head.” 1 restroom facility, 6 uncovered picnic tables with bbq pits, one swing set, jungle gym and one seesaw

Willacy County Navigation District

Port Mansfield

500’ concrete nature trail, 150 public boat stalls, 2 public boat ramps, City Park with dilapidated basketball court and playscape with no public restroom

Smiley Face Park

Raymondville 4 Acres 1 baseball field w/bleachers and dugouts, covered lit basketball court, water fountains, restrooms, tower gym w/3 slides, 16 swings, trash receptacles, 25 picnic tables and benches

Swimming Pool Park

Raymondville 5 Acres 1 swimming pool w/diving board, changing & restrooms, 1 basketball court, 4 picnic tables, 16 swings, tower gym, fall zone, water fountains, well lit

SMUD Regional Sports Facility

Sebastian 6 Acres Large park fully lit, 2 baseball fields, 2 tennis courts, track, jogging trail, 1 lit & covered basketball court, outdoor exercise bars, 1-tower playscape w/ slide, 2-tower playscape w/2 slides, 16 swings, 4 open air picnic tables, 8 picnic tables covered, pavilion, concession stand, handicapped facilities

INVENTORY OF AREAS AND FACILITIES PAGE 24 OF 70


TABLE 5: PARK FACILITIES

So

ftb

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Bas

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Fo

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all F

ield

s

So

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s

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Po

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Wat

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all

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-Bik

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Pic

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Tab

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Ben

ches

Pla

ygro

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Lig

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Co

mm

un

ity

Cen

ter

Lyford City Park1 1 N N Y 8 1 N N

Lyford High School 1 1 1 1 N N N 5 1 N N

Pony League Park 1 Y N N 3 1 Y N

Fred Stone Park/Port Mansfield

Y

City Park/Port Mansfield 1

Smiley Face Park 1 1 1 Y Y N 25 2 Y N

Swimming Pool Park 1 1 Y Y N 4 1 Y N

SMUD Regional Sports Facility

2 1 2 Y Y 12 3 Y Y

TOTAL 6 5 2 1 2 1 0 10

Willacy County Schools Facilities

While school facilities are not usually available to the general public during school hours, they are critical to providing recreational opportunities to youth, and the school districts will occasionally make their facilities available to sports leagues and for public functions. Five schools from Lasara ISD, Lyford ISD, Raymondville ISD, and San Perlita ISD are located within Willacy County. Additionally, some school districts have expressed an interest in partnering with the County to provide recreational opportunities to the general public.

Table 6 lists the youth served by each school.


Figure 5 Photo of the City Park in Lyford


TABLE 6: YOUTH SERVED BY SCHOOL19

SCHOOL STUDENTS GRADE

Lasara Elementary 358 PK-8

Lasara High School 24 9-12

Lyford Elementary 756 PK-5

Lyford Middle School 352 6-8

Lyford High School 430 9-12

Pittman Elementary Raymondville 632 PK-5

Smith Elementary Raymondville 526 PK-5

Myra Green Middle School Raymondville

483 6-8

Raymondville High School 663 9-12

San Perlita Elementary 135 PK-5

San Perlita Middle School 71 6-8

San Perlita High School 135 PK-5

Sports Programs and Participation

The County does not sponsor organized recreational activities, however there are several sports league operating by other organizations within the County. Willacy County Little League (956-383-1901) (39 teams) with 450-500 children, Sebastian Pony Express (which covers T-Ball) in Sebastian with 175-200 children, Pony League (which comes under the in Raymondville with 100 children, Raymondville Sports Foundation which sponsors flag football in the fall with 300 children.

Other Recreation Options

Several other recreational resources are located within Willacy County: including wildlife viewing opportunities at La Sal Vieja, Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area, a private golf course in Raymondville, and the gulf beaches of Padre Island National Seashore.

19 National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core Data, Public School Data 2007-2008 school year


Figure 6 Photo of People Fishing at Fred Stone Park in Port Mansfield


NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION

Overview of the Approaches to Determine Need

The County recognizes that a needs assessment is critical to efficient allocation of the limited resources for parks, recreation and open space facility planning.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends that communities consider one or more of the following approaches to identify needs:

A demand-based approach relies on needs identified by communities. Arriving a demand-based assessment is often accomplished through the use of surveys. Willacy County conducted a community survey to evaluate demand.

A standards-based approach relies on nationally or locally identified standards and concepts. Some communities adopt the national standards found in the Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenway Guidelines, while others develop more localized standards. As discussed in the section “Area and Facility Concepts and Standards,” Willacy County adapted the national standards to local conditions.

A resource-based approach relies on an area’s unique geography, ecology and natural features. In developing Willacy County’s goals and priorities, the County considered such things as the area’s unique coastal environment, an interest in ocelot and bird conservation, and ecotourism (wildlife viewing opportunities).

Willacy County used a combination of the three approaches to arrive at the “Goals and Objectives” discussed previously and the plan priorities discussed in the following section.

Demand-based Approach: the Community Survey and Community Meetings

Willacy County conducted a community survey to in order to obtain public input on park-related issues. The survey was available both online and in paper form at locations throughout the County. Some school districts sent the survey home with students to be completed by parents. Citizen response was high with approximately 1.7 percent of county residents or 340 individuals participating in the survey. A copy of the survey can be found in the Appendices.

The survey covered outdoor and indoor needs, and recreational programming. In addition, the survey asked about current use of Port Mansfield (the Willacy County Navigation District property) and whether citizens would make greater use of the area if additional park amenities were located in port area.

In summary, 281 residents supported park improvements, while five did not. (Note: some individuals did not answer specific questions, hence the total number of responses for any one question may be less than 340, total number of individuals taking the survey.) The five highest-ranking outdoor recreation facilities identified by residents as a need were:

1. Playgrounds

2. Picnic areas and barbeque pits

3. Trails

4. Swimming pools / spray parks

5. Baseball fields

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION PAGE 27 OF 70


The five highest-ranking indoor priorities were:

1. Fitness rooms (yoga, aerobics, martial arts)

2. Bowling

3. Indoor swimming pool

4. Weight room

5. Indoor basketball court

Residents were surveyed regarding a variety of recreational programming areas. By well over a two to one margin, residents indicated a need for recreational programming including fitness classes, sports leagues, swim lessons and water fitness, and arts and crafts (see the Appendices for entire survey results).

When asked about access to and use of Port Mansfield, 37 respondents indicated that they never go, 97 indicated that they rarely go, 100 indicated that they sometimes go, and 30 indicated that they often go. When asked if they would go to Port Mansfield more often if improved park facilities, like fishing piers, nature trails, and new playgrounds were installed, 205 individuals – or 77% of respondents – indicated that they would make greater use of Port Mansfield facilities if they were improved, while 45 indicated that they might go, and 16 individuals indicated they would not go.

The park survey asked individuals what town – Lasara, Lyford, Port Mansfield, Raymondville, San Perlita, and Sebastian – they lived near. These questions helped determine parks and recreation needs by population center or geographic area. While this plan will not summarize survey responses by town, the responses sorted by location have been provided to County, local government, and school district officials so they can use the results in future planning efforts. Additionally, it is expected that some governmental entities, such as the Willacy County Navigation District (Port Mansfield), will, by addendum that reflect local priorities, adopt the County plan. Providing information by community area will help those communities examine and establish their own priorities.

Finally, in addition to the survey, as discussed in the section “Plan Development Process,” the County and PARC conducted public meetings and informal interviews that also serve as part of a demand-based understanding of community need.

Standards-based Approach: A Comparison of Existing Infrastructure to Locally-Adopted Standards

In the section titled “Area and Facility Concepts and Standards,” the County identified three park types that it would like to support. Those types were community parks, special use parks, and a sports complex.

Community Parks

The County wants to provide or assist in the development and maintenance of community parks in each of the County’s population centers of Lasara, Lyford, Port Mansfield, Raymondville, San Perlita, and Sebastian.

Table 7, below, illustrates the publically accessible park infrastructure by population center.

TABLE 7: ACCESSIBLE PARK INFRASTRUCTURE BY CITY



Population Center Community Park(s)

Lasara None

Lyford Lyford City Park

Port Mansfield Fred Stone County Park, and port-owned basketball court and playground

Raymondville Smiley Face Park, Pony League Park, Swimming Pool Park

San Perlita None

Sebastian SMUD Regional Sports Facility

Special Use Areas

The County has identified the coastal resources of Port Mansfield, all of which are located on property owned by the Willacy County Navigation District, as a special use area. While there is a small, poorly developed county park in Port Mansfield and other ancillary Port amenities, the larger Willacy County community has limited access to the coastal natural resource areas and waters of the Laguna Madre. The County and the Navigation District have recognized this deficiency and have allocated Coastal Impact Assistance Program funding to develop a conceptual plan for public access improvements, conservation, and nature tourism on port-owned land. The conceptual planning process is expected to be completed by the end of 2010.

Sports & Recreation Complex

The County has indentified the need to develop a sports & recreation complex in Raymondville in the north portion of the county. The SMUD Regional Sports Complex does contain several ball fields, among other park amenities. However, it is located in the southern portion of the County. There are ball fields located at parks in Raymondville and other communities. The concept underpinning a sport complex --- centralization of ball fields and other sports facilities (as well as potentially indoor recreational facilities) to encourage efficiencies in construction, maintenance, and programming --- may be beneficial to the communities in Willacy County.

Resource-based Approach: Recognizing the County’s Coastal Environment and Unique Natural Resources

Willacy County is endowed with a variety of unique natural resources, including the Laguna Madre and North and South Padre Islands. The County contains parts of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge on South Padre Island, the Padre Island National Seashore on North Padre Island, and salt lakes that are units of the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge. The County has six sites listed on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail.

Aside from its marina operation, Port Mansfield provides limited public access to the Laguna Madre for non-boaters with a single fishing pier at Fred Stone Park and unimproved and unmarked wade fishing areas along the shore. The Willacy County Navigation District property contains a variety of sand flats, wetlands, sand dune complexes, and other unique habitats that would benefit from interpretation, protection, and, where necessary, restoration. With proper planning and improvements, public use of the Port’s natural land and resource areas could be provided while protecting and conserving the resources.



There is no established public access to the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in Willacy County. Currently, a county resident can get to gulf beaches from Port Mansfield only through the use of a private boat and by making landfall and undesignated and unimproved points along the island shore. Alternatively, local Willacy County residents must leave the County to access gulf beaches, relying primarily upon beach access areas in Cameron County and within the Town of South Padre Island. Paradoxically, Willacy County, while blessed with an extensive and beautiful gulf beach shoreline, offers no improved public access to them.

Figure 7 Photo of Laguna Point in Port Mansfield



PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS

Plan Implementation

The County intends to implement the plan according to the schedule established in the “Goals and Objectives” section (see Table ###: Goals and Objectives Implementation Schedule on page 16). Additionally, the County anticipates using a Task Force, like the existing Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force, to act as the coordinating body for park implementation. Implementation financing is discussed later in this section.

Priority Rankings

In developing the facility rankings, the County considered a combination of the assessment approaches identified and described in the previous section. Additionally, the County anticipates that the Willacy County Navigation District, through addendum, will adopt the County plan and establish its own set of priorities that benefit county residents but are more closely tied to the recreational opportunities found within the Port’s coastal areas.

Outdoor Facility Priority Ranking

1. Ball fields

2. Playgrounds

3. Trails

4. Picnic Areas

5. Natural Area Conservation/Open Space

Indoor Facility Priority Ranking

1. Fitness Room

2. Game Room

3. Gymnasium (multi-use for basketball, volleyball, performances, etc.)

4. Weight Room

5. Meeting Rooms

Renovation and Replacement

In 2008, the County’s Fred Stone Park in Port Mansfield suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Dolly. The park’s pier is being replaced by a new 5,360 square foot pier, which includes a 1,400 square foot “T-Head.” The playground equipment and picnic facilities at the park are in dilapidated and unsafe conditions and in immediate need of replacement but no funds or plans for these improvements have been identified.

Recreational Programming

Individuals responding to the parks survey indicated that there is an insufficient supply of recreational programming across age ranges. Several respondents noted the lack of a Boys and Girls Club in Willacy County and no organized parks or recreation programs for elderly residents are provided by the County at any facility.

PLAN IMPLEMENTATION & PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS PAGE 31 OF 70


Recognizing the Needs of Seniors and Youth

Seniors

Senior citizens identified as priorities in the survey bird watching, trails, open space, and outdoor pavilions. Additionally, they identified the need for playgrounds for youth, likely their children or grandchildren, as a community need. Included in the Appendices is a summary of the responses obtained to the community survey question: What can local governments do to increase the park and recreational opportunities available to senior citizens?

Youth

Youth participated in the survey. They identified as priorities playgrounds, rock climbing walls, skateboard parks, and swimming pools/spray parks.

During the development of the Master Plan, some county youth were simultaneously organizing a petition drive to the Raymondville City Council for the development of a skateboard park within Raymondville. At the March 21, 2010 meeting of the Coastal Conservation and Ecotourism Task Force, the Raymondville City Manager presented a youth-produced video documenting their petition drive.

Financing

Funding park maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and new park development is becoming difficult for local governments and other organizations. Communities throughout the state are often interested in large, regional parks that serve multiple purposes. Efforts to develop such facilities are partly driven by state and federal grant programs that encourage regional solutions to infrastructure-related issues. Development of large parks is expensive and often requires multiple funding sources. Concurrent with the demand for large, regional parks, park and recreation departments continue to confront request for well-maintained community parks that are within easy walking distance of residents and other traditional park infrastructure such as ball fields.

Recently there appears to have been a slight shift in what the public demands of a parks system. The Introduction notes that parks are increasingly becoming mechanisms that communities use to define themselves. While ball fields, playgrounds, and traditional park infrastructure continue to largely define park systems, communities often want new types of park infrastructure. Within the past decade, new park elements, such as spray parks, skateboard parks, dog parks (leash free zones), large open spaces and trails along water courses, and nature tourism, are beginning to play prominent roles in park development. Willacy County has seen such a change as other counties in the Rio Grande Valley have sought to portray themselves collectively as world birding centers, and the County, with its tremendous natural resources and access to the Laguna Madre at Port Mansfield has yet to fully capitalize or develop natured-based tourism or park facilities.

Communities also confront the increasing costs of maintenance and policing. Many parks are typically “high use” facilities. Like most highly used public infrastructure, park facilities wear out, increasing the cost of maintenance. Parks infrastructure located in coastal environments are subject to the added stress of weathering and the corrosive environment of sea spray, high humidity, and an atmosphere sometimes laden with salt. Governments are recognizing that policing parks in order to keep them free of graffiti, vandalism, and drug-use is a cost that that strain even well funded police and park departments.



Securing the necessary funding for new park infrastructure and operations and maintenance is difficult at best. Despite Willacy County being on of the most economically challenged coastal counties in the country, the presence of the Willacy County Navigation District and its location on the Laguna Madre offers unique funding options not available to inland counties. Thus the County and the Willacy County Navigation District may be able to develop a blend of funding streams or a “funding quilt” that takes advantage of public grants and other resources not generally available to other inland communities.

This section discusses the possible avenues that Willacy County and/or the Willacy County Navigation District may use to fund park system infrastructure. In addition to the more common ways of funding parks (a grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department), area governments may consider taking advantage of the number of coastal and habitat grant programs that could fund protection of open space while allowing low-impact recreation (trails, nature centers, wildlife viewing, nature tourism).

Taking full advantage of the entire funding quilt often requires the use of professional program and grant consultants or not-for-profit organizations well-versed in weaving together local funding with multiple state and federal funding sources in order to maximize public resources. This is especially important if Willacy County intends to pursue funding opportunities that rely on grants for the protection of open space, wetlands, and watershed.

Local Government Funding

Local government funds are a common method to finance park development. Typical funding streams include property taxes, sales taxes, user fees, accommodations taxes (hotel/motel tax) and other sources of revenues used for the general operation of the local government. Bonds can be used for infrastructure improvements and land acquisition. Since these funds are paid, for the most part, by local residents and may require increases in taxes and/or fees, public entities must consider the tax burden on local citizens, the value of taxable property, and other items, such as property types (residential, commercial, industrial) in a community, a city’s economic base and socioeconomic factors such as poverty and growth rates.

Importantly, most state and federal government grants require some type of local match, often up to 50 percent. Many communities use local government funds as a match for state and federal grant funds.

State & Federal Financing

TPWD Outdoor Recreation Grants: This Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant program provides 50 percent matching grant funds to municipalities, counties, MUDs and other local units of government with a population less than 500,000 to acquire and develop parkland or to renovate existing public recreation areas. Each year the department conducts two funding cycles. The maximum grant award is $500,000. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, MUDs, river authorities, and other special districts. Projects must be completed within three years of approval. The deadlines for grant applications are January 31 and July 31 of each year with master plan submission deadline 60 days prior to application deadline. The department notifies award recipients six months after the deadlines.

TPWD Indoor Recreation Facility Grants: TPWD’s Indoor Recreation Facility Grant Program provides 50 percent matching grant funds to municipalities, counties, MUDs and other local units of government with a population less than 500,000 to construct recreation centers, community centers, nature centers and other facilities (buildings). The maximum grant maximum is $750,000. The application deadline is July 31st each year with master plan



submission deadline 60 days prior to application deadline. Award notifications occur the following January.

TPWD Recreational Trail Grants: TPWD administers the National Recreational Trails Fund in Texas under the approval of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This federally funded program receives its revenue from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. The grants can be up to 80 percent of project cost with a maximum of $200,000 for non-motorized trail grants and currently there is not a maximum amount for motorized trail grants. Funds can be spent on both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects such as the construction of new recreational trails, to improve existing trails, to develop trailheads or trailside facilities, and to acquire trail corridors. The application deadline is May 1 of each year.

TPWD Boating Access Grants: This TPWD grant program provides 75 percent matching grant funds for the construction of public boat ramps. Local government sponsors must make an application, provide the land, provide access to the proposed boat ramp, supply 25 percent of the development costs, and accept operation and maintenance responsibilities for a minimum 25-year period. These funds are allocated annually and supported by the federal Sport Fish Restoration Act. The deadline for this program is October 31 of each year.

TPWD Boat Sewage Pumpout Grants: Federal funds through the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 allow private marinas and local governments to receive grants to install boat sewage pumpout stations in Texas. Pumpout grants are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and can constitute up to 75% of all approved project costs. These grants provide funds for the construction and/or renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout and portable toilet dump stations. Proposals offering the greatest benefit to water quality and public access take precedence.

Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grants: TPWD administers the Texas apportionments of LWCF through the Texas Recreation Park Account. TPWD allocates LCWF as part of the awards for its indoor and outdoor infrastructure programs. The department does not accept applications specific to the LWCF.

Coastal Impact Assistant Program (CIAP grants): In the summer and fall of 2010, the State of Texas will allocate through a competitive process the approximately $46.1 million for federal fiscal years 2009 and 2010 it will received from the federal government to compensate for environmental damage caused by oil and gas development in federal waters in the Gulf of Mexico. The program is limited to designated counties immediately adjacent to the coast. Funds for the program can be used for a number of park-related activities such as natural area acquisition and restoration, environmental education and interpretation and controlled-public access to coastal resources. In addition, Willacy County will receive directly from the federal government approximately $760,500 for federal fiscal years 2009 and 2010. Like the CIAP allotment reserved to the State, the County can use its CIAP funds for park-related activities that have a positive effect on the coastal environment. Use of the funds by Willacy County is subject to project approval by the federal government. It is anticipated that the federal government will ask the County how it wishes to allocate county funds in the fall 2010.

Coastal Management Program Grants (CMP grants): The Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) awards approximately $1.8 million in grants per year. Awards typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 for programmatic activities. Approximately $1.2 million in CMP awards are set aside for infrastructure projects. Priority infrastructure projects are the acquisition and restoration of coastal natural resources and providing public access to the Texas coast. Of the $1.2 million set aside for infrastructure projects, the CMP awards



$800,000 in grants for large infrastructure projects. Large grants are limited to no more than $400,000 per project. CMP grants require a 40 percent nonfederal match.

Project types include restoration and acquisition projects, community outreach and coordination efforts (ecotourism for example), conservation planning, education that takes place in schools, and research. Projects are limited to areas within the Coastal Management Boundary. Interstate Highway 10 establishes the Coastal Management Boundary in the City of Orange. Projects south of the interstate are eligible for CMP funding; projects north of the interstate are not.

Other Coastal and Habitat/Open Space Conservation Programs: The federal government through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and some cooperating private entities, award grants to state agencies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funds are tied strongly to habitat protection and restoration, and can also serve to protect open space. The funds have been used extensively in the Houston/Galveston and the Coastal Bend regions of the state.

Funding and matching requirements vary. Discussions with private consultants, non-governmental organizations, and state and federal natural resource agencies are strongly suggested before an organization pursues these funds. Programs include:

NOAA Community Based Restoration Program;

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program;

NOAA Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP);

Five Star Restoration Program;

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Funds;

Shell Marine Habitat Program; and

USFWS - Texas Coastal Program.

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Supplemental Environmental Project (SEP) Funds: The state allows environmental violators, with the approval of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, to offset part of an environmental fine by undertaking an environmentally beneficial project within a community. Undertaking or funding a SEP project is an entirely voluntary activity on the part of the violator. SEP funds for environmental enhancements come from two sources: (1) air violations; and (2) violations affecting water, including violations at wastewater and drinking water facilities, and municipal and industrial solid waste facilities. Generally, the agency does not allow funding to cross medias --- meaning, air violations must fund air SEPs; water violations must fund water SEPs.

Private Sector Funding

Land Donation: In some cases, individuals and businesses may be willing to donate property appropriate to park development and open space conservation to the city or a third party, such as a land trust.

Foundation Grants: Texas has over 3,600 private foundations that award funding to not-for-profit organization, typically those exempted from federal income tax known as 501(c)(3) organization, and governments. Often funding is limited for specific purposes, say animal protection, or organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs. Many foundations do award grants on a competitive basis, but often do so with regional limitations.



Despite the limitations discussed above, foundation funding should be considered as part of any funding mix. Before pursuing grant funding, the city or other organizations may want to consider contacting private grant writing consultants or the nearest cooperating collection of the national Foundation Center (foundationcenter.org). The cooperating collections maintain reference materials and online services that are helpful in researching private grant opportunities. There are two collections near Willacy County --- one at UT-PAN AM and the other at Texas A&M Kingsville. The collections referenced above can be contacted at:

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY - KINGSVILLE SOUTHWEST BORDER NONPROFIT RESOURCE CENTER

Jernigan Library The University of Texas-Pan American700 University Blvd., MSC 197 1201 West University Drive, ITT 1.404HKingsville, TX 78363 Edinburg, TX 78541(361) 593-3416 (956) 292-7566

Figure 8 Photo of mural by Ramon Claudio "The Salt of the King"



APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

Map of Willacy County

APPENDIX B

Map of Raymondville

APPENDIX C

Map of Lasara

APPENDIX D

Map of Lyford

APPENDIX E

Map of Port Mansfield

APPENDIX F

Map of San Perlita

APPENDIX G

Map of Sebastian

APPENDIX H

Willacy County Parks and Recreation Community Survey

APPENDIX I

Encuesta de Condado de Willacy

APPENDIX J

TPWD Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Guidelines

APPENDIX K

Survey Results

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix A

Map of Willacy County

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix B

Map of Raymondville

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix C

Map of Lasara

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix D

Map of Lyford

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix E

Map of Port Mansfield

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix F

Map of San Perlita

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix G

Map of Sebastian

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix H

Willacy County Parks and Recreation Community Survey

Willacy County and other local governments are considering improving park and recreation opportunities within the County and would like your input. Your opinions are important to the understanding of the community needs and desires.

1. Check which town do you live in or near:

____Lasara ____Lyford ____Port Mansfield ____Raymondville ____San Perlita ____Sebastian

_____I do not live in Willacy County

2. What age group you are in: ____Under 20 _____21-35 _____36-50 _____51-65 _____Over 65

3. What is your gender: _____Male _____Female

4. How many children (19 and under) live in your home? (Circle One) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 or more

5. Do you or does someone in your family participate in organized league sports (baseball, softball, volleyball, etc.) outside of a school program? _____Yes _____No

APPENDICES of 70


6. Should local governments develop or improve Outdoor Park & Recreation Facilities in the County? ____Yes ____No

If your answer is no, please skip Question #7.

7. Please check the top five (5) Outdoor Park and Recreation Facilities from the list below that you would like to see added in the County.

Outdoor Pavilions Picnic Areas and Barbeque Pits Open Space/Nature Preserves

Playgrounds Walking/Jogging/Hiking Trails Public Hunting Areas

Bicycling Trails/Paths Swimming Pool/Spray Parks Public Beaches

Baseball Fields Kayaking/Canoe Launches Camp Grounds

Basketball Courts BMX Bike Parks Running Tracks

Volleyball Courts Fishing Piers/Wading Areas Golf Courses

Soccer Fields Birdwatching Areas RV Parks

Softball Fields Tennis Courts Rodeo/Roping Arenas

Football Fields Horseback Riding Trails Rock Climbing Walls

Disc Golf (Frisbee) Courses Skateboarding Parks Amphitheaters

Other(s)

8. Should local governments develop or improve Indoor Park & Recreation Facilities in the County?

____ Yes ____ No

If your answer is no, please skip Question #9.

9. Please check the top five (5) Indoor Park and Recreation Facilities from the list below that you would like to see added in the County. Please place an X next to each of your five (5) selections.

Basketball Courts Indoor Running Tracks Indoor Swimming Pool

Bowling Fitness Rooms (yoga, aerobics, martial arts) Audio Visual/TV Room

Nature Center Game Rooms (foosball, pool, board games, chess, ping pong) Video Game Rooms

Gymnasiums Auditorium for Music, Plays and other Art Performances Computer Rooms

Meeting Rooms Racquetball/Handball Courts Arts and Craft Rooms

Volleyball Courts Weight Rooms Rock Climbing Walls

Other(s)

10. The list below provides examples of recreational and social programs that some communities develop for their residents. Would you participate in any of the following programs? _____Yes _____No

Yes No

Aquatic (swim lessons, water fitness, etc.)

Fitness Classes (yoga, aerobics, martial arts, weight lifting, boxing, etc.)

Social Activities (family nights, support groups, social clubs, volunteering)

Sports Leagues (youth/adults basketball, soccer, baseball/T-ball, volleyball, etc.)

Teen Programs (clubs, adventure/environmental programs, etc.)

Arts & Crafts (writing, performing, dance, music, visual, crafts, etc.)

Trips & Tours (youth/adult/senior outdoor education, hiking, day-trips, etc.)

11. What can local governments do to increase the park and recreational opportunities available to senior citizens? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

APPENDICES of 70


12. Please check all the reasons why you and/or your family may not participate more frequently in community recreational programs or use community park facilities:

Not enough programs or park facilities Lack of information on programs

No interest in programs or recreational facilities offered Times and facility locations not convenient

Unable to get to program or facility Inadequate amenities (bathroom/seating areas)

Fees are not affordable Do not feel safe

Lack of time Program or facility is too far away

Lack of Childcare Other (please specify)

13. How often do you go to Port Mansfield? _____Often _____Sometimes _____Rarely _____Never

14. Would you go to Port Mansfield more often if there were a park with nature trails, improved fishing piers, improved areas for wade fishing, kayaking/canoeing launches, bird viewing stations, nature center, new playground, picnic pavilion, etc.?

_____Yes _____No _____Maybe

15. What is the single most important issue or greatest need concerning parks and recreation programs and facilities within Willacy County? _________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use this space for additional comments: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVALUABLE PARTICIPATION IN THIS SURVEY

TO MAIL THIS SURVEY PLEASE ADDRESS IT TO:

KAY PILS

305 WEST MILTON ST.

AUSTIN, TX 78704-3017

Appendix I

Encuesta de Condado de Willacy

El Condado de Willacy y otros gobiernos locales están considerando mejorar oportunidades recreativos y de parques dentro del Condado. Sus opiniones son importantes para entender las necesidades y los deseos de la comunidad.

1. Marque el pueblo donde vive o el más cercano:

_____Lasara _____Lyford _____Port Mansfield _____Raymondville _____San Perlita _____Sebastian

_____Yo no vivo en el Condado de Willacy

2. ¿Cuáles su grupo de edad?: _____Menos de 20 _____21-35 _____36-50 _____51-65 _____Más de 65

3. ¿Cuál es su sexo? _____Mujer _____Hombre

4. ¿Cuántos niños (de 19 años y menor) viven en su casa? (Círculo uno) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 más de 8

5. ¿Usted o alguien en su familia participa en ligas organizadas de deporte (béisbol, softbol, voleibol, etc.) fuera de un programa escolar? _____Sí _____No

6. ¿Cree que gobiernos locales deberían desarrollar o mejorar instalaciones AFUERA de los lugares recreativos y de los parques en el Condado? _____Sí _____No

APPENDICES of 70


Si su respuesta es ninguna, salte por favor la pregunta #7.

7. Favor de indicar las CINCO (5) instalaciones AFUERA de los lugares recreativos y de los parques de la lista de abajo que le gustaría ver ser agregado en el Condado. Indique su selección con un equis.

Pabellones al afuera Áreas de picnic y con parrillas Playas para ir en monopatín

Patios de recreo Pistas para caminar/hacer jogging Áreas públicas de cacería

Pistas y caminos de bicicleta Piscinas/parques de espray Playas públicas

Canchas de béisbol Lanchas de kayak/canoa Parques para tiendas de campo

Canchas de basquetbol Parques para bicicletas BMX Pistas para caminar/hacer caminatas

Canchas de voleibol Anfiteatros Canchas de golf

Canchas de fútbol Áreas para observar aves Parques de vehículos recreativos

Canchas de softbol Canchas de tenis Plazas para rodeo/lazar

Canchas de fútbol americano Pistas para cabalgata de caballos Murallas de piedra para trepar

Canchas para jugar golfo de discos (Frisbee)

Reservas a cielo abierto o áreas protegidas

Muelles para pescar/Áreas para caminar por el agua

Otra (favor de especificar)

8. ¿Cree que gobiernos locales deberían desarrollar o mejorar instalaciones INTERIORES de los lugares recreativos y de los parques cubiertos? _____ Sí _____ No

Si su respuesta es ninguna, salte por favor la pregunta #9.

9. Favor de indicar las CINCO (5) instalaciones interiores de los lugares recreativo y de los parques de la lista de abajo que le gustaría ver ser agregado en el Condado. Indique su selección con un equis.

Canchas de basquetbol Pistas interiores de carrera Piscina interior

Boliche Salones de salud (yoga, aerobismo, artes marciales) Salones audiovisuales/TV

Reserva naturalSalones de recreo (futbolito, billares, juegos de mesa, ajedrez, tenis de mesa) Salones para juegos de video

Gimnasios Auditorio para música, obras de teatro Salones de computadoras

Salones para reuniones Canchas de raquetbol/balonmano Salones de arte y artesanías

Canchas de voleibol Salones de levantamiento de pesas Murallas de piedra para trepar

Otra (favor de especificar)

10. La lista de abajo da ejemplos de programas recreativos y sociales que algunas comunidades desarrollan para sus residentes. ¿Participaría en cualquiera de los siguientes programas? _____Sí _____No

Sí No

Acuática (lecciones de natación, salud acuática, etc.)

Clases de forma física (yoga, aerobics, artes marciales, levantamiento de pesas, boxeo, etc.)

Actividades Sociales (noches con familia, grupos de apoyo, clubes sociales, actividades voluntarios)

Ligas deportivas (básquetbol para jóvenes/adultos, fútbol, béisbol/T-bol, voleibol, etc.)

Programas para adolescentes (clubes, programas de aventuras/medio ambiente, etc.)

Arte & Artesanías (escritura, teatro, baile, música, visual, artesanías, etc.)

Viajes & Turs (educación al aire libre pare jóvenes/adultos/personas de tercera edad, hacer senderismo, viajes de un día, etc.)

11. ¿Que pueden hacer los gobiernos locales para aumentar las oportunidades recreativas y de parques disponibles para personas de tercera edad? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

12. Favor de marcar todas las razones por la cual usted y/o su familia quizás no participarían con más frecuencia en programas recreativos comunitarios o usar instalaciones de parques comunitarios:

APPENDICES of 70


Insuficientes programas o instalaciones de parques Falta de información sobre programas

Ningún interés en los programas o las instalaciones recreativos ofrecidos Horarios y lugares de instalaciones son inconvenientes

No puedo llegar al programa o la instalación No hay baños

Las entradas son demasiada cara No me siento seguro

Falta de tiempo El programa o la instalación es demasiado retirado

Falta de cuidado infantil Otra (favor de especificar)

13. ¿Qué tan seguido visita a Port Mansfield? _____Frecuentemente _____A veces _____Casi nunca _____Nunca

14. ¿Iría más seguido a Port Mansfield si hubiera un parque con caminos de naturaleza, muelles de pesca, áreas mejorados para caminar por el agua, lanzamientos de kayaks/canoas, sitios para observar aves, áreas naturales, patio de recreo nuevo, pabellón para picnic, etc.? _____Sí _____No _____Quizás

15. ¿Cuál es el tema mas importante o la necesidad mas importante con respecto a parques y programas recreativos en el Condado de Willacy? _____________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Favor de usar estas líneas para comentarios adicionales: _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

GRACIAS POR SU PARTICIPACION INAPRECIABLE EN ESTA ENCUESTA

PARA ENVIAR ESTA ENCUESTA:

KAY PILS305 WEST MILTON STREETAUSTIN, TEXAS 78704-3017

APPENDICES of 70


Appendix J

TPWD Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Guidelines

LOCAL PARK GRANT PROGRAM

PARK, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN GUIDELINES

Revised January 2008

The following guidelines have been developed to help local governments prepare park, recreation, and open space master plans in accordance with the Local Park Grant Programs Manual. Points may be received through the applicable “Project Priority Scoring System” for projects which meet priorities identified in Department-approved, locally-endorsed parks, recreation, and open space master plans.

** Please note that a master plan is not required to participate in the grant program, nor does Texas Parks & Wildlife Department approval of a plan guarantee that points will be awarded for any project. **

At a minimum, all master plans must meet the requirements below for approval. These guidelines are effective upon adoption by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on January 24, 2008. For questions or assistance, please contact the Recreation Grants office at 512/389-8322.

Submit plans to Recreation Grants for review as early as possible, but no later than sixty days before the application deadlines:

Local Park Grant Program

Master Plan Submission Date

Grant Application Submission Date

Outdoor May 31st July 31st

Outdoor November 30th January 31st

Indoor May 31st July 31st

Urban Outdoor December 31st February 28th

Urban Indoor May 31st July 31st

Because of the large number of review requests, early submission of master plans for review and approval is strongly encouraged.

It is also recommended that plans be reviewed by Recreation Grants prior to submission to the applicable governing body for final approval to preclude the sponsor from having to obtain additional approval from the governing body in the event the review finds changes to the plans are needed. Plans must be approved or submitted in an approvable format (including resolution of adoption) by the November 30th, December 31st, and May 31st deadlines to be eligible for project priority points.

Please provide the name and address of the contact person in the local government submitting the plan as well as the name and address of the preparer, if other than the sponsor.

The following documentation is required for approval by Recreation Grants:

APPENDICES of 70


PROOF OF ADOPTION

Once plans are complete, the applicable governing body (city council, county commissioner’s court, district or authority board) must pass a formal resolution (or ordinance) adopting the plan and list of priority needs.

JURISDICTION-WIDE PLAN

Plans must be comprehensive and include the sponsor’s entire area of jurisdiction, i.e., the entire city, county, or district, etc. Plans may be broken into planning areas, regions, districts or precincts, as needed for larger communities or counties. All planning areas, regions, districts, or precincts must be included in the plan as partial plans are unacceptable.

Plans must address the present and future needs of the community or area, not merely short-term needs. Plans that justify only one grant project will not be approved.

As of January 24, 2008, Regional (multi-jurisdictional) Park, Recreation and Open Space Master Plans may be submitted to the Department for review. This plan may be utilized by those communities located within the planning region. In order for any application to be eligible for priority planning points the project sponsor must adopt the regional plan by resolution. The plan must also include all of the required master plan elements for each community wishing to utilize the regional plan; or the project sponsor must submit a supplement, by the applicable master plan deadline, that includes any required information pertaining to their community that is not included in the regional plan. Please compare the regional plan’s elements to the following plan content list to determine if supplemental information will be required by the Department.

PLAN DURATION

Plans must cover at least a ten year period. Plans must be updated every five years to remain eligible. At a minimum, updates should include a summary of:

AccomplishmentsNew public inputMost recent inventory dataUpdated needs assessmentPrioritiesNew implementation plan

DemographicsPopulation projectionsGoals and objectivesStandards, and Maps

Priorities should be updated as high priority items are accomplished and lower priorities move up. A new resolution is not required when updating priorities; however if you change or revise your priorities, submit a new resolution adopting the new priorities.

A completely new plan is required every ten years.

PLAN CONTENTS

All master plans must meet the following minimum requirements.

I. INTRODUCTION

This section should discuss the unit of government for which the plan is created. Include socio-economic data; demographics on ethnicity, age, and income; current and projected population figures and their source; growth or non-growth patterns; and the government’s or agency’s role in providing parks and recreation opportunities.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

APPENDICES of 70


Identify your parks and recreation service goals and follow with specific objectives for each goal. These should be given careful thought. State the time period of the plan.PLAN DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

This section is very important so that we can understand how you identified and prioritized your needs. Describe who wrote the plan and when the process began. Discuss planning committees utilized and public input received through hearings, meetings, and surveys. Be brief, but thorough.

AREA AND FACILITY CONCEPTS AND STANDARDS

This section of the plan is also very important and contributes directly to the assessment and identification of needs. You cannot properly identify needs without establishing local standards and concepts.

Area/Facility standards should be determined locally. Local standards are influenced by preferences and available economic and natural resources. A good source of information on this topic can be found in the National Recreation & Park Association’s Park, Recreation, Open Space & Greenway Guidelines publication (formerly the Recreation, Park & Open Space Standards & Guidelines). All of the guidelines identified in this document may or may not apply to your community or county. Adjustments to those standards may be necessary to reflect your needs and resources. Contact the NRPA at http://www.nrpa.org or 703/858-2190 to obtain a copy of this publication.

INVENTORY OF AREAS AND FACILITIES

Assess what parks, recreation and open space areas and facilities are currently within your system. You should also include school and private recreational facilities that are open to the public. If inventory data are broken out by park, include a summary table for all parks and facilities. This inventory information is essential for assessing needs.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION

The following three approaches may be employed in determining parks and recreation needs: (1) demand-based, (2) standard-based, and (3) resource-based. Or a combination of these approaches may help you more accurately assess your needs.

The demand-based approach relies on information gathered from participation rates, surveys, and other information that indicates how much of the population wants certain types of facilities.

The standard-based approach uses established standards to determine facilities and park areas needed to meet the needs of a given population size. The standards may be based on demand studies, the professional judgment of park and recreation planners and designers, etc.

The resource-based approach examines the assets and resources of the area for open space, parks and recreation facilities, and defines how these resources can be utilized. For example – the availability of a lake or river within an area is a resource which can be utilized in developing a park system.

Agencies with large jurisdiction areas may wish to divide their jurisdiction into planning areas, regions, districts or precincts. Specific needs can then be assessed and identified within each planning unit.

Clearly identify needs and explain the methodology for determining them. Consider both outdoor and indoor recreation needs, if applicable.

APPENDICES of 70

http://www.nrpa.org/


PLAN IMPLEMENTATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF NEEDS

A priority list of needs should be ranked in order from highest to lowest priority and state when the needs will be met.

If your plan is broken into specific planning areas, regions, districts or precincts, you may prioritize needs within each of the planning regions.

Separate priority lists may be provided for indoor and outdoor needs. Lists must be area and/or facility specific, and be ranked according to priority order. It is the option of the sponsor to present the priority lists as park/site-based or recreational element-based. However, be aware that there are more points available in the current scoring system if priorities are compiled by recreational elements, and separated by indoor and outdoor.

Example of recreational facility-based priority lists:

Outdoor Priorities:#1 = Trails#2 = Acquisition additional park acres#3 = Restrooms in nature park#4 = Adult softball fields#5 = Tennis courts; etc.

Indoor Priorities: #1 = Indoor pool#2 = Gym and basketball court#3 = Walking track#4 = Arts and crafts room#5 = Meeting room; etc.)

APPENDICES of 70


Specific areas intended for open space acquisition and preservation should be located on a map, identified as a need, discussed, and prioritized in your plan.

Where appropriate, renovation/redevelopment needs must be discussed and may be ranked as a priority.

Renovation is defined as “to renew, make over…” Work on existing facilities to completely renew, update, or modernize such facilities so the finished product will meet present-day standards and be comparable with newly constructed similar facilities is classified as renovation.

Redevelopment means the removal of obsolete facilities and construction of new ones.

Repairs and/or maintenance may be listed as a priority, but are not eligible for grant assistance.

Identify resources for meeting your needs (e.g., city funds, in-house labor, bonds, grants, donations, etc.), and include a proposed timeline for accomplishing the plan’s priorities.

CAUTION! Do not just focus on short-term needs and actions. Plan for the future also.

ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, SURVEYS, ETC.

Required: City or County map, or map of jurisdiction, as appropriate.

Include maps, surveys, charts, plates, graphics, and photographs in the plan which help explain and support your planning process and conclusions.

APPENDICES PAGE 54 OF 70


Appendix K

Survey Results

Willacy County Parks and Recreation Community Survey Report (340 Responses)

1. Check which town you live in or near. - 295 Answered

2. What age group you are in. – 280 Answered

3. What is your gender – 283 Answered



4. How many children (19 and under) live in your home? – 277 Answered

5. Do you or does someone in your family participate in organized league sports (baseball, softball, volleyball, etc.) outside of a school program? – 283 Answered

6. Should local governments develop or improve Outdoor Park & Recreation Facilities in the County? – 286 Answered



7. Please check the top five (5) Outdoor Park and Recreation Facilities from the list below that you would like to see added in the County. – 277 Answered



8. Should local governments develop or improve Indoor Park & Recreation Facilities in the County? – 283 Answered

9. Please check the top five (5) Indoor Park and Recreation Facilities from the list below that you would like to see added in the County. – 258 Answered



10. The list below provides examples of recreational and social programs that some communities develop for their residents. Would you participate in any of the following programs? – 262 Answered

Aquatic (swim lessons, water fitness, etc.)

Arts & Crafts (writing, performing, dance, music, visual, crafts, etc.)

Fitness Classes (yoga, aerobics, martial arts, weight lifting, boxing, etc.)

Youth Summer Camps

Social Activities (family nights, support groups, social clubs, volunteering)

Sports Leagues (youth/adult basketball, soccer, baseball/T-ball, volleyball, etc.)

Teen Programs (clubs, adventure/environmental programs, etc.)

Trip & Tours (youth/adult/senior outdoor education, hiking, field trips, etc.)

0 50 100 150 200 250

180

178

202

121

162

179

153

174

49

48

33

40

61

53

65

54

NoYes

11. What can local governments do to increase the park and recreational opportunities available to senior citizens?

1. Make available areas where the senior citizens can come to. Some need a place to exercise on; or maybe just a place to socialize. Birdwatching and or nature outings would be fun. A social meeting room so they can plan bingos, cards or just sit and read have coffee, etc.

2. have skate park area and foarm activitiy clubs

3. they should make a room that would please them and some games so they could also have fun like kids and adulds

4. They can actually build them since I don't see any in Raymondville.

5. Monitor the people who attend the parks and take down buildings that are no longer in use, to make space for more parks or recreational opportunities to be made.

6. Keep the Port of Mansfield Cut in the Jetties dredged, and provide access.

7. HAVE HANDICAP ACCESS AND HAVE PROGRAMS TO AID IN THEIR MOBILITY IN AND AROUND RECREATIONAL PLACES.

8. coffee shops

9. construct new facilities for this

10. Baseball fields

11. Ensure handicap access. Have adequate areas for seating strategically spaced throughout the park, as well as shaded areas.

12. create the facilities!

13. bus service

14. Have transportation for senior citizens

15. More handicap exits and more offers for them. they should not need to travel out of town. we should have more activities here for them.

16. bingo night; afternoon dances; light aerobics; walking trails

17. Iwould like to see a place to play horseshoes. Maybe a small pond in the park with a fountain in the middle and benches or tables around it so that our parents and grandparents can sit around and talk ,play dominoes,or just



sit and enjoy the view and the sounds of the water and birds(nature). I think they would enjoy that ,heck even I would.

18. Most seniors go to watch children, grandkids at sports events and for exercise most walk, run or ride bikes.

19. Create indoor facilities for arts & crafts. Workout area and dance classes.

20. Post activities on bulletin boards in RV Parks.

21. Provide money for things they can do.

22. Pavilions, benches, ramps, ponds with benches, cleaner restrooms with doors!

23. Add some.

24. Provide transportation!

25. Donate funds for the parks, make trails and areas more accessible for them.

26. Donate funds for parks and areas for the seniors to get around. Make it easier for them.

27. Security.

28. Provide a pick up and drop off programs

29. I believe in making the setting neutral for all to enjoy. And I know of many senior citizens who attend games and at times it is difficult for them to find a path to get to the bleachers. They are also in need of handrails and updated restrooms.

30. I feel we need an area for water aerobics, as it would help seniors citizens with joint and weight problems.

31. Have Walking Trails

32. Make more stuff for senior citizens to like hang out and catch up on old times.

33. Make it possible for them to get there (they need transportation).

34. They can make a separate park for senior citizens only and for regular people because senior citizens tend to be grouchy and want privacy.

35. Let them know that they are welcome. And we need their presence.

36. Assure them that they are safe.

37. More handicap equipment (space for them to roll wheelchairs to view games)

38. Outreach flyers.

39. Walking Trails

40. Ramps!

41. Have senior citizen activities.

42. To make it easier for senior citizens to get to it.

43. Parks and recreational areas should be free for seniors.

44. Have social gatherings for senior citizens.

45. Walking Trails

46. Fix them to make them more appropriate.

47. Build walk ways accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.

48. Build an area big enough for the community.

49. Add a swimming pool.

50. Build walkways accessible to wheelchairs & walkers.

51. Now that the governments are giving us an opportunity to decide if we want these things like a park here in our county that why people should take advantage of this opportunity so the government now that we care about this program and really give us the programs we want.

52. Make more leagues for senior citizens and more activities.

53. Approve the programs.

54. They could add more programs indoor/outdoor.

55. Make it usable for them.

56. Provide transportation & access for all.

57. Gather money

58. We have nothing so anything would be nice.

59. Make it more accessible for the handicapped.



60. Make it fun, safe, a place where everyone can go as a family and actually build one in Lasara!!!

61. Create them where they live.

62. They could put things in the park senior citizens would enjoy.

63. Have to fix roads first before then can make anything else.

64. Walking courts.

65. Make it safe and fun.

66. Put more benches and provide lots of shade.

67. Provide group supervised activities.

68. Provide group supervised activities.

69. Create

70. Have designated days for them with activities planned specifically for them.

71. Better care of our senior citizens. Nutrition & health care centers where they can be checked daily.

72. Build things for adults and children.

73. Provide safety.

74. Ramps, side rails



77. They already have a golf course to go to and activities at their RV parks.

78. They can raise and have fundraisers for them.

79. Make them safer, more mobile for them, keep cleaner and fully stocked, make safer (i.e. security 24-7), lights

80. Definitely making it more enjoyable and safer for each individual.

81. Walking trails, shuffle board.

82. Inform the community.

83. Provide better security.

84. Walking trails, wheel chair ramps.

85. More activities, other than Bingo and dancing.

86. Carpool, meals on wheels

87. A smooth walking trail and some parking.

88. Safety

89. Make them safe.

90. Make them safe.

91. Provide the programs checked above. Provide transportation.

92. Wheelchair access & transportation

93. Wheelchair access & transportation

94. Wheelchair access and transportation

95. Build ramps for seniors that use wheelchairs and sidewalks.

96. Wheelchair access and transportation

97. Bring more police officers into play that way violence can stop growing and make our community more noticeable

98. A community center. Have more movie nights, oldies music dances, and, of course, promote, advertise, and market to them.

99. Develop public transportation - more Police presence in public areas - secure parking (i.e. bike racks and lighting)

Spanish Comments

1. Aumentar los presupestos economicos

2. Construir las cercas de la ciudades

3. Pedir apoyo para que los ayuden.

4. Pues lugares donde ellos puedan divertirse



5. Manualidades y artesanias

6. Pueden cuidarlos y preguntar si los cuidan bien y parques para poderlos pasear

7. Hacer mas programas recreativos

12. Please check all the reasons why you and/or your family may not participate more frequently in community recreational programs or use community park facilities. – 228 Answered

13. How often do you go to Port Mansfield? - 264 Answered



14. Would you go to Port Mansfield more often if there were a park with nature trails, improved fishing piers, improved areas for wade fishing, kayaking/canoeing launches, bird viewing stations, nature center, new playground, picnic pavilion, etc.? – 266 Answered

Yes

No

Maybe

0 50 100 150 200 250

205

16

45

15. What is the single most important issue or greatest need concerning parks and recreation programs and facilities within Willacy County?

1. Safety - Security - Maintenance

2. More space and walking areas for exercise as well as bike trails. Areas for toddlers and areas for older kids. Lighting and security.

3. They don't look kept up such as clean, safe, or welcoming. There's a pool in Raymondville, but it's not well maintained.

4. The government giving the funds to the wrong people instead of trying to build a community we should be rebuilding what we already have.

5. The safety for the children.

6. Recreations for the youth

7. The safety of the children.

8. Safety

9. Safety because of children.

10. Not enough.

11. Not safe for our children.

12. Making them safe.

13. Government neglects parks etcetera for something else.

14. Safety, opportunity, community involvement

15. Not any

16. Limited recreational programs

17. Building a better sports complex.

18. Not enough adequate facilities.

19. We need more parks/recreation for kids to keep off the streets.

20. Securities and Protection.

21. Not enough programs to keep kids off the streets.

22. A cleaner, safer place for families and the need for Sheriff's Dept. to take interest in making the parks and recreational facilities safer to enjoy.

23. Our kids keeping busy with sports & activities.

24. Youth with no concern for others, when children are present with parents.

25. Our kids! Keeping them off the streets!

26. Cleaner facilities, safer (security 24-7), lights

27. There is not enough programs in the county.

28. More space, walking trails, fields

29. Maintenance and upkeep of equipment

30. Program availability to teens. Fitness center/gym for adults to attend.



31. Kids without parental supervision. Kids use bad language without regard to others.

32. Lack of facilities - lack of interest in developing parks and recreation programs. Funding, Funding, Funding!!!

33. We should have the stuff from on top to here at Willacy County and we should have mostly everything on the list it would be fun for the environment.

34. Better bathroom facilities and more security.

35. Restrooms

36. Nothing interesting is available.

37. Restrooms

38. There is such a limited amount in Willacy County and the ones we do have are either too small or not very nice.

39. For the youth to have activities.

40. We need a Boys & Girls Club.

41. A park for our kids.

42. Graffiti, maintenance, clean bathrooms

43. Sports for kids so they can be more occupied.

44. Not enough areas for people who don't have a recreational vehicle to sit and enjoy the pier.

45. Lack of

46. Litter and creepers everywhere.

47. That they are kept clean and sanitary.

48. Keep the park clean - protection of some kind. The park needs more activities for young teens!

49. Needs a modern swimming pool with adequate showers, dressing rooms with adjacent exercise rooms, study rooms with computer access, all under one central location so that it offers something to everyone.

50. Need to have a modern swimming pool with adequate showers & dressing rooms. If swimming lessons are offered allow for evening classes as well. A two week reading program in the local library would be nice if offered in the evenings 6-8pm.

51. More bathrooms. Lots of shade and rest spots.

52. Lasara needs a park.

53. We don't have a park.

54. There's only one and not near home.

55. Wasting money on things that aren't necessary.

56. A playground for our children, a city pool on hot summer or Saturday days!!

57. Better bathroom facilities and more security.

58. You can find bad people messing around.

59. That here in Lasara we don't have one, yes we have a park in Raymondville but sometimes we don't have money for the gas and there aren't enough games to play.

60. Get kids off the street and give them something to do.

61. Restrooms.

62. There aren't enough and there is no security in the ones that have programs.

63. Money

64. A park.

65. Safety & transportation.

66. That we don't have to go too far, and we don't have to travel far. Also, to have winter Texans come over to our county, and we enjoy fishing, swimming and camping.

67. So that kids don't have to be bored.

68. That people will be more healthy and lessens the rising numbers of obesity.

69. To get the children involved.

70. There are not any recreational programs/parks for our kids in Lasara. We have to commute to other areas, and that is difficult for us due to transportation.

71. Parents need to be more involved and more activities need to be available throughout the year.

72. The graffiti on slides and walls in restrooms. The need for more security and protection.



73. A public open gym and after school neighborhood watch.

74. Would like to see one build in Lasara, any park or programs are for Raymondville & Lyford, now that we are growing and more students are being sent our way.

75. The graffiti on the slides and walls in restrooms. The need for more security and protection.

76. Safety, I don't feel safe.

77. Need more security around the parks and need to keep young kids off the streets after 9:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.

78. A park in Lasara.

79. Walking trails, softball fields, baseball fields, facilities for uses such as basketball, and weight rooms

80. Safety

81. Safety

82. Too crowded.

83. A lot of kids need exercise and these will help them.

84. More trees and parks with activities to change Willacy County's look.

85. Police security.

86. Restrooms!

87. Money and manpower.

88. Availability, accessibility, distance

89. The kids need to have some kind of recreation to be busy and out of trouble. It's always best to have a facility or place to go to where they can enjoy themselves and keep out of trouble.

90. To gather family together.

91. Not enough.

92. We have to travel out of the county for fun at parks and recreation programs because we have few options in Willacy County.

93. Bathrooms in Parks (Smiley Park) do not have lighting at night - not very safe.

94. To help maintain our children off the streets and into programs that teach.

95. Security.

96. Willacy County needs a sports complex with a basketball court & baseball & softball fields.

97. All this community needs is just more parks and stuff like that, more stuff for fun.

98. Kids do not have a safe drinking water fountain. Need more kids activities.

99. We need a sports complex.

100.We need a sports complex ASAP.

101.Economics (money). Volunteers.

102.We need to have more baseball & softball fields.

103.Boys & Girls Club

104.Boys & Girls Club

105.A sports complex, as well as a park and recreation department.

106.More activities for teenagers.

107.Not enough fields for the children to play.

108.More security to prevent property damage.

109.When things are done to improve County amenities, nothing is done to keep them nice. Very short after, they are destroyed by thug kids.

110.More day use area development is needed with more piers, restrooms, and fish cleaning facilities.

111.We need something that would help our young children stay focus. We do not have enough activities that occupy our teens time.

112.The amount of recreational programs. I like to keep my kids active year around.

113.Clubs and locations to keep our youth interested and out of trouble

114.Keeping them clean and safe for kids. Clear of graffitti.

115.Safe and educational nature trails.

116.Activities for children.



117.Safety, cameras, clean, security.

118.There are none available.

119.There are none, we need something of this kind for our youth.

120.More variety such as indoor swimming pool (with classes), theater (for community performances).

121.More family orientated.

122.I would like to see a Skateboard area for kids because they hang around schools and dangerous street areas.

123.We need some!

124.Spending more time with family.

125.Elected people not interested in people's needs . . . just their own.

126.Some thing for school students to participate with adult supervision to get them away from these gangs! They don't have enough to do!!!!

127.Shooting Sports is a must! It is a fun sport & activity.

128.We need a sports complex that can be used for baseball/softball, soccer, football, pavilion for volleyball & basketball. These sports would cover the majority of people in the county.

129.Families being safe in their own communities!

130.Walking & bike paths

131.keep heated pool open year around

132.We need more of them, more stuff to do I think the reason most of our youth areturning to graffiti and vandalism is because they don't have many things to do ,so they get bored and do stupid things like that.They should open the pool as soon as weather permits not wait till the summer, Imean lets face it this is the valley it is hot most of the year here.

133.keep the juvenile delinquents out; they are a source of concern for my family

134.we need to encourage the people that it is safe and that there people out their try at make a difference for us. We need something for our kids.

135.If there are to be programs and facilities that are for the citizens of Willacy County, locate them in the center of the county-not Raymondville. There are people in Lyford, Sebastian, Santa Monica, Willamar, etc that would like to participate in programs but won't because of the distance to Raymondville.

136.walks of life

137.lack of all

138.facilities are needed to keep the youth out of trouble!

139.Have move youth activities to get them out of trouble in the streets.

140.There should be a Boys/girls club for school aged kids for them to do something during their spring/christmas/summer break. That is why they are making trouble in this town. More things also need to be created like a theater, bowling alley, etc.

141.Children safety

142.golf

143.We need more of them and the ones we have need to be improved.

144.Safety

145.need more facilities

146.We need a Sports Complex for the youth to play baseball/softball in. We have over 400 kids signed up to play and not enough fields. We need to get these kids off the street.

147.I think that if more people were involve and if we had more parks and recreational programs for kids they would not be on the streets and doing what they should not being doing and getting introuble and being in gangs.

148.Lack of facilities!

149.upkeep an clean restrooms

150.Baseball fields

151.Maitance of facility over a long term. If this is not inclued it won't work.

152.Lack of baseball and softball fields and lack of practice fields.

153.THE CONCERN IS SAFETY FIRST, AND THEN WILL THIS GET THE COMMUNITY INVOLVED MANY PEOPLE IN OUR COUNTY ARE RELATED AND THIS SHOULD HELP OUR COMMUNITY UNITE AS ONE



FOR A COMMON GOAL OF PUSHING FORWARD THIS IS 2010 AND WE HAVE ALOT OF CATCHING UP TO DO!!!!

154.There are not enough to serve the different age groups.

155.Money

156.More public access

157.access to Laguna Madre

158.I believe that many families participate in youth leagues (baseball for example). I know that using the schools facilities has been where they play. I think more kids would participate if there were more parks for them to practice or play. I think there are kids who would love to have a skateboard park. I often see them on the city sidewalks.

159.Port Mansfield is the ONLY "Port in a Storm" within hundreds of miles of this huge coastal area. It is used recreationally, commercially, and governmentally and should be kept in usable condition by all entities as a FEDERAL area. It is, essentially part of the U.S. Border.

160.clean beach

161.because of the no., it is usually crowded on nice days

162.cleanliness and safety. As to Fred Stone Park: a 50 x 600 ft (when road and parking areas are discounted) strip of rocky and trash-littered shoreline, with some rusted out barbeque pits, is not much of an attraction.

163.lack of good facilities; safety; clean, adequate, safe restrooms

164.safety

165.Clean bathrooms and adequate lighting

166.The children of willacy county need better playgrounds and more room to exercise. Most people walk or jog in the cemetary on 186! There is no adequate bike trails for children and most of the population live in the country or on nieghborhoods with no sidewalks.

167.Vandilism

168.Activities for children such as boys/girls club centers where children can go and to crafts and sports

169.The appearance.

170.they should make places more safe for family's

171.the vandilisam, not that much children activities

172.we need more space

173.Having a nice clean place to go to. A lot of the times these places are not kept very clean.

Spanish Comments

1. Actividades al aire libre deportes infantiles mal alla de Beisbol y futbol

2. Un parque donde los adultos tambien pueden disfrutar con la familia como mesas con bancas para pasar un tiempo con la familia.

3. tenerlo limpio

4. Que pongan un parque publico con juegos infantiles

5. Limpieza y seguridad

6. No se

7. Ponder un parque con juegos para que los niños se entretegan y para caminar

8. Construir canchas de boleibol pistas para biciletas gimnacio y lugares de recreo.

9. Creo que los dos programas son importantes.

10. Parques para niños y jovenes con mesas y sombras

11. Es importante lo que hablan pero que lo con plan falta mucho

12. Que hubiera mas parques con mas juegos y mas diversiones que llamen lo atencion del público.

13. No ay suficiente parques. Limitan los programas.

14. Deberian haber mas parques y programas en Lasara.

Additional Comments



1. This community is crying for more activities or some sort of community center. Crime is going up because there is nothing to get involved with.

2. The people in this town would be more sociable if the crime were to be reduced and if the government gave funds to programs that help the community and family.

3. They should have any type of recreations for youth to keep them out of problems.

4. Need enough programs for the young people to get them out of trouble.

5. Need a safe city for our old & young people. Keep our young people busy.

6. More parks means more healthy children.

7. We pay high taxes and have no programs other than baseball & football.

8. Can we have the comments to have here in Lasara doesn't have anything and we need to start having good stuff.

9. Willacy County needs a structured summer program similar to Harlingen's, especially in aquatics, music lessons or dance lessons.

10. Willacy County needs to offer a structured program similar to those in Harlingen. The programs need to be offered in the morning as well as the evening, to accommodate us working families that would like to enroll our children in evening outdoor programs (i.e. swimming, crafts, reading clubs, etc.).

11. Please make a small park at least in Lasara.

12. I want to be outdoors.

13. Fix roads first before any other improvements are done.

14. I would like for someone to at least build a small park here at Lasara so at least the little ones can have a place to play and enjoy being kids. It would also be close and easier for the parents.

15. The Lasara community needs something.

16. Lasara needs a park for the community!

17. We need some kind of programs but not let it be so political. We need the right people to run the facility and/or program.

18. We would like to see this thing in our county that's why we are filing out the paper that you send us to take advantage and sign it up and would at least see something new here.

19. Without collection fees why not build a park for our growing community.

20. It's too far to go to Port Mansfield.

21. It'll be great if we could add some of those things to our community!

22. Basketball Courts in Lasara. People here love sports, especially basketball.

23. As a resident of Lasara, I feel that it is a wonderful idea. Our children NEED a place to have fun and enjoy. Thank you.

24. This county needs some kind of recreation facility for the community.

25. Back in the late 80's there was The Galaxy and My Friend's Place, as a preteen our generation had plenty of fun, no gangs, no graffiti, no fights. Just everyone playing board games, video games and dancing and fun.

26. I work at a Charter school and some of my students had gone to the city meeting to talk about skateboarding park. Everywhere we go to in Raymondville we see lots of kids skateboarding at different businesses.

27. I have been involved in the Little League for over 20 years and I look forward to the day that I will see a sports complex in my community.

28. Due to increase usage of water front property going to private development, there is a need to set aside and develop areas for public use along waterfront property.

29. Willacy County is a great place to live. However, we do need to keep our young ones away from bad influences. I know one reason for extra facilities is lack of money, but maybe in the future, this item can be accomplished. God Bless You!

30. I beleive in keeping children active in order to keep them out of trouble and healthy. Many of them prefer to stay indoors however if parents have the resources to keep them active this wil help alot.

31. We need things that people enjoy doing (young generation should be taken into consideration most).

32. Parents of gang members who are arrested should be held responsible and made to pay for any retributions!

33. The county needs a quality of life upgrade. A sports complex with playground, nature, bike & walk trails. Softball, baseball, soccer and football would get more usage. I currently serve on the W.C. Little League board. We very badly need some sort of Parks & Recreation. Lionel Tomez 956-642-7137.



34. willacy county could definetly use outdoor facilities; however, we have such destructive teens that i am afraid they will destroy the facilities; we need to first educate our residents about the importance of fitness

35. Willacy county needs a boys & girls club to keep these teens out of the streets and out of trouble. I think this should be of great concern to the county. Specially with all the crimes and graffiti going around. Also a park that would have a little of every sport and a place for family gatherings like pavilions that could be rented out for misc parties. A man made pond where children can go fishing with adult supervision.

36. I believe adequate parks and recreation promotes increased family time which can result in decreased teen pregnancy and violence. Also, it provides an area for families to get physical activity which can decrease the incidence of chronic diseases.

37. Chito Rodriguez rules

38. Let the public know what we all need to do as a whole to get this done...we are all willing to pitch in.

39. Willacy County Little League currently has over 400 kids participating. Over 30 teams ranging in ages 4-12 are forced to play in two fields. One field being a very small t-ball field. The other baseball field is the same field that has been around over 30+ years.

40. Coaches are having to practice on farmland and clear brushland to create practice fields

41. WE VOTE IN REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE COMMUNITY AND IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE THEM VOLUNTEER, VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME TO COMMITT TO EXCELLENCE. WITH EVERYONE TOGETHER ON THIS WE COULD ALL REAP THE BENEFITS OF BETTER EVERYTHING...WE ALREADY HAVE ALL THESE FEDERAL GRANTS, LETS PUT THEM TO GOOD USE. TAXES DON'T NEED TO BE RAISED HIGH WITH ALL THE MONEY THE COUNTY ALREADY HAS IN ITS BANK ACCOUNT.

42. I think that many people would benefit from a walking park. Everyone walks at the cemetary and the school parking lot. Putting a walking park in a safe part of town with adequate lighting and parking would be ideal. It might also help with reducing the level of overweight children and adults in Willacy County.

43. Beaches are popular even the one in Port Mansfield. The problem is people do not keep it clean. We needa lot more garbage cans and someone to patrol beach on busy times and show people how to be clean, give a few tickets let them work off tickets by cleaning beach. have a volunteer beech cleaning day once a month not once a year. add a couple of portable rest rooms i believe people would respect it more and use ir more.

44. This survey was sent to me by a friend.......does Willacy Co. publicize this?

45. N/A

46. they should make places more fun for families to have a good time and not for gangmebers or gangs and they should really be aware of people that might tag we always have taggings everywhere and its really not cool at all

47. we as teen kids would love activitys teens would love

48. Willacy County definitly needs something. There is really nothing in Willacy County we always have to go to Cameron or Hidalgo Counties. Sure would be nice if we could get some walking trail or nature trail or something for old folks to go to. A skateboarding park would be nice for the young kids.

Spanish Comments

1. Un parque donde los niños tengan juegos.

2. Me gusta ir al Port Mansfield pero mis niños no pueden jugar en los juegos parque siempre estan mohosos

3. Solo que necesitamos lugares para salir con nuestros hijos y no hay donde ir

4. Es un buen momento para hacer estas peticiones al gobierno para ver si es posible nos hagan estos centros de recreo.

5. Que haya mantenimientos en los parques que esten bonitos que haya areas verdes y ponerlos en nuestros pueblos para asi poder asistir con mas precuencia con nuestra familia.

6. Necesitamos que nuestros jovenes expieren a respectas la autoridad y para eso necesitamos que nos dejen disciplinarlos como padres por eso nuestros jovenes estan reverles porque como puedes no tenemos el apoyo de las autoridades. Ustedes le maltratar si se le paga al joven y nosotros le llamanos disciplinar para eso tienen el trasero para poder disciplinarios. Ellos tienen mas apoyo que nosotros.



Figure 9 Photo of a Sunset in Willacy County

PAGE 70 OF 70

wcpmp 5 4 2010 read only

Documents

recreation pageref

standards pageref

plan implementation

inventory pageref

need pageref

identification pageref

geology pageref

demographics pageref