City of Baytown Parks and Recreation Department Annual Report

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2 City of Baytown Parks and Recreation Department Annual Report Mission Statement The City of Baytown Parks and Recreation Department genuinely cares about its customers and continually strives to not only meet, but also exceed their expectations. Our department is dedicated to improving the lives of our citizens and visitors, and enhancing the image of the City of Baytown through effective and efficient recreational, educational, cultural, fitness and environmental programs and services. We subscribe to the philosophy that parks and recreation positively impacts health, crime prevention, the environment, the economy and the overall quality of life of the Baytown community. The Baytown Parks and Recreation Advisory Board members and the Parks and Recreation Department staff are again pleased to present the Department s Annual Report to the Mayor, Council Members and City Management. This report is presented in its traditional format and continues to serve as: 1. Our collective view of the past year s activities 2. A progress / status report on most of our current programs and plans 3. A brief overview of our plans for the upcoming year This report is made pursuant to Ordinance No. 885, adopted in September 1967, which states that, annually, the Board shall make a study of the parks and recreation facilities and policies of the City, and make recommendations concerning any changes, modifications or improvements. The Parks and Recreation Department enjoyed another busy and successful year that was highlighted with the completion of the Hartman Bridge Gateway. It was also a year of change with the retirement of three key individuals that had a tremendous daily impact on the Department. Staff was also challenged with the possible acquisition and redevelopment of the Evergreen Point Golf Course. The Aquatics Division continues to break records in both attendance and revenue as both Pirates 2

3 Bay and Calypso Cove are at, or near, capacity daily. The Department claimed a regional award and was honored with key staff members, from the past and present, named to various Halls of Honor. The Department also hosted another huge crowd at the annual July 3 rd and 4 th Celebration. The Department said good bye to three key City employees this past year, as long time supervisor to the Department, City Manager Bob Leiper, retired in February, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director, Kylie Wilson, retired in April, and Building Supervisor, Larry Ferguson, retired in July. We wish our friends well in their retirement, they are missed. Several major projects kept the Department occupied, including the construction of the Hartman Bridge Gateway, Goose Creek Phase V Trail, the complete electrical system and lighting for the Wayne Gray Sports Complex Girls Fastpitch fields, the Town Square Project and the continuation of the cleaning of Tabbs Bay of hundreds of derelict piles and trash. The imminent closing and sale of the Evergreen Point Golf Course dominated conversations and planning sessions during the spring. Staff hired Richard Singer, Director of Consulting Services with the National Golf Foundation Consulting and Baxter Spann, Golf Course Architect with Finger Dye Spann, Inc., to produce the Acquisition Feasibility Analysis for Evergreen Point Golf Course in Baytown, Texas. The results of the study generated much anticipation for the redevelopment of the course and a planned development that could have a major impact on the future of the southern part of Baytown. Pirates Bay Water Park continued its popularity from the past five seasons. During the 2014 season, 166,031 guests passed through the gates at Pirates Bay surpassing the 2013 attendance record by 32,732 visitors. 619,138 people have visited the park since its opening. If projections are on target, staff anticipates over 175,000 people through the gates during the 2015 season. Calypso Cove, located at N.C. Foote Park, continued to exceed expectations by increasing the previous season s attendance record by 744 visitors resulting in a total of 18,803 visitors. Calypso Cove has welcomed 68,291 guests during the first four seasons. Currently, 2015 attendance is projected to clear 20,000. The Department continues to beautify the City with the landscaping of Alexander Drive between Ward Road and Texas Avenue. The project, which included planting of 65 gallon size trees, crape myrtles and installation of drip irrigation, was completed during the winter months. 3

4 The Parks and Recreation Department also planted 45 thirty-gallon size trees in various parks, and gave away over 1,200 one-gallon size trees for the annual Arbor Day Celebration. The Department teamed up with volunteers in early December to plant 54 thirty gallon trees at the new Blue Heron Park. An additional five trees were planted at Blue Heron Park with the aid of a Texas Urban Forest Council Micro grant in June. The Recreation Division conducted thirty-nine special events this past year, including the 4 th of July Celebration, Grito Fest and Christmas Parade. The division also handles the rentals and daily operations of the Community Center, two park pavilions, and athletic fields, as well as organizes adult softball, flag football, kickball, futsal and soccer leagues. On October 4 th, the 9 th Annual Grito Fest was held at Bicentennial Park. The event featured the popular La Sonora Dinamita, along with Ruben Ramos and Mariachis Los Gallitos. Festival goers enjoyed a Grito Competition, Salsa and Jalapeno Eating Contest, and an Accordion Competition. An estimated crowd of 5,000 attended the festival. The City s Annual 3 rd and 4 th of July Celebration at Bicentennial Park was tremendously successful as tens of thousands attended the two-day event. The 3 rd of July concert was highlighted by rock-n-roll legends, 38 Special. The 3 rd of July rock-nroll night continues to grow in popularity as the event enjoyed its highest attendance in the event s short history. Rain threatened the 4 th of July Celebration midafternoon, but the sky cleared leaving lower than normal temperatures and a nice breeze for the thousands that attended the annual event. Country star Clay Walker entertained the large crowd much to the delight of a multitude of his fans that crowded next to the stage. The concert was followed by a perfect 20 minute fireworks show. 4

5 The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center and Baytown Nature Center continue to offer outstanding programs to GCCISD and Baytown area students, with the Back to the Bay, Wetlands Ecology and Liquid Science Programs. The awardwinning Nurture Nature Series and Nurture Nature Festival draws visitors from across the state to the Baytown Nature Center on a monthly basis, and Gator Tales and Tyke Hike programs target our preschool citizens. The Wade Into Wetlands Summer Science Camp continues to fill to capacity, as do the Winter Holiday and Spring Into Nature camps. The Wetlands Center s newest program, EPIC (Environment Protectors Initiating Change!), is a weekly gathering of Baytown teenagers with an interest in protecting their environment. For their first big project, they collected over 52,000 used plastic shopping bags from local schools and city offices and disposed of them properly. Their actions encouraged citizens to use reusable shopping bags, and keep the environmentally dangerous plastic bags out of Baytown s waterways. The Baytown Nature Center educational programs continue to provide opportunities for outdoor activities and scout workshops. The Back to the Bay Program allows area high school students to practice their water testing and analysis skills, as well as their ability to catch and identify marine life in cast nets and seine nets. The Nature Center attendance continues to increase as visitors have discovered it s not only a prime location for fishing and birding, but also for kayaking, biking, and hiking. The Center s newest program, a guided Full Moon Night Hike, is held each month on the Saturday closest to full moon. Participants walk the trails and look for the Nature Center residents that only come out at night such as owls and coyotes. Scout workshops and overnight campouts have become regular weekend activities. The Wetlands Wagon Outreach Program often finds Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center staff on the road throughout Texas, promoting both facilities and the City of Baytown as an environmentally friendly destination. The Wetlands Wagon partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department again this year to promote the Wetlands Center and the Baytown Nature Center in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. 5

6 Awards The Parks and Recreation Department was honored to win the Harris/Galveston Area Council s, 2015 Parks and Natural Areas Award. The Department was also honored to have former and current Department employees named to two separate Halls of Honor in Harris/Galveston Area Council 2015 On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000 GB Biosciences Wetlands Creation Project at the Baytown Nature Center Award shared with Crouch Environmental Services For the third year in a row, the Parks and Recreation Department won the Parks and Natural Areas Award for on the Ground Projects under $500K. On January 20, 2015, the City of Baytown Parks and Recreation Department received the Harris/Galveston Area Council, 2014 Parks and Natural Areas Award, On the Ground Project under $500K Category award recognizing the GB Biosciences 11 Acre Wetlands Creation Project at the Baytown Nature Center. The award is shared with Crouch Environmental Services. Texas Amateur Athletic Federation, Region Hall of Honor Inductees Bobby Rountree, Dean Bigham and Kylie Wilson On January 26, 2015 the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) inducted the region s first class into the newly established, Region 1 Hall of Honor. TAAF inducted former Baytown Parks and Recreation Department Director and City Manager Bobby Rountree, former Superintendent of Recreation Dean Bigham and Assistant Director Kylie Wilson into the Region 1 Hall of Honor. All three have had a tremendous impact on the Region s and local athletic programs stretching from 1973 to present. TAAF owes Bobby Rountree and Dean Bigham a tremendous amount of gratitude for forging the way during the past 40 + years. Kylie Wilson took the banner in 2001 and continued a long line of successful TAAF events. 6

7 Texas Recreation and Park Society 2015 Hall of Honor Inductee Scott Johnson On March 4, 2015, the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) inducted Scott Johnson into the newly established Texas Recreation and Park Society Hall of Honor. The Society inducted all previous winners of The Dan Whitworth Award which was presented to Scott Johnson at the 2014 TRAPS Institute. Publications The Parks and Recreation Department was honored to have the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center featured in an article that appeared in the Fall 2014 edition of the Texas Recreation and Park Society Magazine. The two page article, Baytown s Wetlands Center Promotes Environmental Stewardship was written by Tracey Prothro, Superintendent of Natural Resources Programs, highlighting some of the programs taught in the center. The publication and article is listed below. Tracey Prothro, Baytown Parks and Recreation Department. (Fall 2014). Baytown s Wetlands Center Promotes Environmental Stewardship. Texas Recreation and Park Society Magazine, Volume 13 (Issue 2) Pages

8 The Department was also honored to have Park Planner, Dustin Schubert recognized in the Member Spotlight section of the Fall 2014 publication of the Texas Recreation and Park Society Magazine. The publication and article is listed below. Dustin Schubert, Baytown Parks and Recreation Department. (Fall 2014). Member Spotlight. Texas Recreation and Park Society Magazine, Volume 13 (Issue 2) Page 12. Pirates Bay Waterpark was honored to be featured in the July 2015 issue of PRB Parks and Rec Business Magazine. The four page article The Town Pool Comes of Age, Create an Aquatic Destination that Captures Attention and Revenues was written by David Keim, VP for Business Development with the Aquatic Development Group. Mr. Keim highlighted the changes in pool design that pushed the recreational envelope to become true aquatics destinations. The publication and article is listed below. David Keim, VP for Business Development, Aquatic Development Group, Inc. (July 2015). The Town Pool Comes of Age. PRB Parks and Rec Business, Volume 13 (Issue 12) Pages Special Recognition We express our sincere appreciation to the Mayor, City Council Members, and City Management for their support of the Department, as well as to our allied groups, including Friends of the Baytown Nature Center, Friends of the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center, The Bay Area Historic Society, The Baytown Historical Preservation Association, Lee College, Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, the Baytown YMCA, The Rotary Club of Baytown, The Kiwanis Club of Baytown, Historic Goose Creek Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Baytown Chamber of Commerce, Baytown Optimist Club, Evening Pilot Club, and the Pilot Club of Baytown. Collectively, these groups, organizations, and others, contribute a great deal to the success of many of the Department s programs and events. We would also like to acknowledge the numerous contributions of volunteers, businesses, and industries, noting that it is not possible to recognize them all individually, while conceding that we could not be successful without them. On a special note, we would like to thank Ken Jones, Harris County Constable Precinct 3, and his deputies for their help with the Christmas Parade, Grito Fest, and the 3 rd and 4 th of July Celebration. A special thanks to Assistant Chief Bob Wooten, Captain Joe Eaglin and Lieutenant David Jones for their assistance in the coordination of the deputies. 8

9 The Parks and Recreation Department would like to thank several local industries for their contributions of money and labor during the past year. Most notable are ExxonMobil, Bayer Corporation, Chevron Phillips LP, Calpine Energy, Lowe s, Home Depot and TPC Group. Without their support of the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center, the Baytown Nature Center, and several special events, many of the activities that are provided to the public would not be possible. We would also like to take this opportunity to express our utmost appreciation to several City Departments and employees who have provided noteworthy assistance to the Department this year. The staff of the Engineering Department was of great assistance again this year. The Traffic Control staff has helped with many events during the year, most notably the Christmas Parade, Grito Fest and the 3 rd and 4 th of July events. A huge thank you to the Police, Fire, Communications and Health Departments for their support and assistance with numerous events our Department coordinates, including this year s July 3 rd and 4 th Celebration and Grito Fest. Special thanks goes out to Chief Keith Dougherty and his staff, including Lieutenant Roger Park and Detective Corporal Russell White for coordinating the public safety at the 3 rd and 4 th of July Celebration. A special thank you to Fire Chief Shon Blake, Fire Marshall Bernard Olive and Firefighter (Driver) Mike Wooster for their assistance in planning and coordinating a variety of activities for the July 3 rd and 4 th Celebration, including the parade and providing meals to event staff, volunteers, and entertainers. The Parks and Recreation Department sends out a special thank you to the Baytown Police Department for providing weekend security at the Pirates Bay Water Park. In addition, we would like to recognize and thank Interim Director, Nick Woolery and the Public Works Department for their assistance throughout the year with several park projects. We also would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make this past year a success, specifically for the annual Daddy and Me Dance and the Summer Track program. We would like to especially recognize the volunteers that worked in preparation for the 9 th Annual Grito Fest. A special thank you as well, to Enterprise Products and all our many sponsors and volunteers for the annual Special Olympics Track Meet. Thanks also go to the numerous volunteers that help staff the various programs at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center and at the Baytown Nature Center. We would also like to recognize the Human Resources Department for all they do assisting the staffing of our Aquatics Division. 9

10 A special thank you to the Parks and Recreation Department staff that continues to provide innovative and cost-effective quality activities and for the long hours, many of which are after normal work schedules. The staff continues to strive to make Baytown a better place to live and work. The remainder of this report describes in more detail the status of our projects and programs. It also notes a number of completed improvements and concludes with a review of a few specific goals for the upcoming year. Retirements The Department said good bye to three key city employees this past year, as long time supervisor to the Department, City Manager Bob Leiper retired in February. Bob was first assigned the Parks and Recreation Department in 1999 as our Assistant City Manager and with his leadership the Department expanded in all areas. Bob was always eager to listen to new ideas and was generous to the Parks and Recreation Department over the years, recommending budgets that provided excellent equipment and funding for project such as the Hutto Parkway, Eddie Huron Park, Bergeron Spray Park and a small $60,000 investment in the Aquatics Facilities Master Plan. Kylie Wilson retired in April after 15 years as Recreation Superintendent and Assistant Director. Kylie started her career with the City in January 2001 and helped build the Department into what it is today. Kylie s retirement spurred some organizational changes as well. Kylie was responsible for the daily operations of the Parks Division, as well as several special events including the Christmas Parade, Special Olympics and the 4 th of July Celebration. Dustin Schubert was promoted to Superintendent of Parks, and has assumed the oversight of the Parks Division; Cliff Hatch will be promoted to Superintendent of Recreation in October assuming the recreational duties that were handled by Kylie. Mike Flinn will also be promoted to Superintendent of Aquatics in October as well. Larry Ferguson retired in July. Larry was the Building Maintenance Supervisor for the Community Center for over 20 years. Larry s scheduling and instructional knowledge of the Community Center along with his Jack of all Trades skills will be greatly missed. 10

11 Evergreen Point Golf Course The City learned in late December 2014, that the owners of the Evergreen Point Golf Course planned to sell the property and close the course on June 30, The new owners planned to develop the course property into a new housing subdivision. Evergreen Point was the only golf course remaining open in Baytown as the Country Club closed in early Suddenly, instead of Baytown being blessed with two courses, the City faced having no public golf available. The City hired Richard Singer, Director of Consulting Services with the National Golf Foundation Consulting and Baxter Spann, Golf Course Architect with Finger Dye Spann, Inc. to produce the Acquisition Feasibility Analysis for Evergreen Point Golf Course in Baytown, Texas. The results of the study that were presented to City Council in April generated much anticipation for the redevelopment of the course and a planned development that could have a major impact on the future of the southern part of Baytown. The City entered into three earnest money agreements in April, for the purchase of 198 acres located north and west of the existing golf course, the purchase of 25 acres directly west of the existing driving range and approximately 124 acres of the existing golf course. All agreements are contingent on the voting approval of bonds in the November 2015 elections. Staff has been working on realignment with Wells Holdings, Inc. and the City s consulting team to redesign the existing course that will benefit the new master planned development, the existing Evergreen Fairways subdivision and to provide a destination golf course for the citizens of Baytown and the surrounding area. Funding for the golf course bonds will come from the Municipal Development District (MDD), using sales tax revenues and will not impact individual property taxes. Providing the bonds are approved, the City would close on the three properties and hire a consulting team to begin formal plans and engineering on the course. Staff, with consultation with the National Golf Foundation, would also begin preparing for operating the course. The proposed layout of the redeveloped course is located on page 59 in the Appendix section of this report. 11

12 Parks Completed Projects A. Wayne Gray Sports Complex Lighting Improvements (Girls side) - Parks staff contracted with MUSCO Sports Lighting to replace the poles, lights, and wiring to the girls fields (East Road) at Wayne Gray Sports Complex. The old lighting system was out of date and not supplying the proper lighting levels required for fast pitch softball. The new system included replacing the 1973 direct burial wiring with new wiring, as well as energy efficient sports lighting that brightens up the entire complex. B. Wetlands Center and Central Little League Park Picnic Shelters - Both the Wetlands Center and Central Little League Park received large picnic shelters that can accommodate large parties. The Central Little League Park shelter is 26 foot x 42 foot, and can accommodate up to 65 people. The shelter was placed in between the little league fields and the playground to be easily accessible. The Wetlands Center shelter is 40 foot x 50 foot; and can accommodate over 100 guests. This shelter was used to accommodate large school groups that attend the Wetlands Center for a large outdoor classroom. C. Replace Port-a-Can Enclosures at Nine Park Sites - Recent changes in American with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws include updated port-a-can regulations. The size was increased from six foot to eight foot to allow space for a full 360 degree turn for wheel chairs, where the old design only allowed for a T- style turn. The previous shelters had to be rebuilt to accommodate for the new size port-a-cans. Parks Division crews constructed the new larger shelters, and were able to recycle the metal art pieces for the new shelters. The old shelters were taken to the Baytown Nature Center, and will be used as bird observation blinds throughout the Nature Center. 12

13 D. Bayland Island Ship Store HVAC Upgrades A new energy efficient HVAC system was installed at the Bayland Marina Ship Store and Tenant Facility replacing the 20 year old unit. E. Bayland Park and the Community Center LED Parking Lot Lighting With the assistance of the Purchasing Department and the Public Works Department, the parking lot light fixtures at both the Community Center and at Bayland Park and Marina were replaced with energy efficient LED lighting. F. Bowie School Park Inclusive Playground - Parks staff, with the assistance of Goose Creek Independent School District (GCCISD), teamed up to design and install an inclusive playground for special needs children at Bowie School Park. The idea for the park began with a request from a grandparent for a fenced playground. After further research, staff learned of the need for the special needs playground. The GCCISD, Rotary Club of Baytown and the City have contributed to the proposed playground. The playground will be an extension of the existing Bowie School Park playground and is planned to be ready for school in late August. The School District and the City are planning a September ribbon cutting. G. Roseland Park Splash Deck The City s first spray park at Roseland Park was opened in After 12 seasons, many of the major components of the spray park were aging and in need of being replaced. Parks staff contracted with both Kraftsman Commercial Parks and Playgrounds and Progressive Aquatics for a complete overhaul of the 12 year-old spray park including replacing all of the spray park s electronic valves and controller. The new valves and controller were placed in a new above ground vault that would prevent flooding of the vault and ease maintenance of the equipment. All of the spray equipment was cleaned, sanded and repainted with a special paint designed for water play equipment. The finishing touch was the removal of the painted concrete surface which was replaced with a cool deck that will provide a slip resistant cool surface during the hot summer months. 13

14 H. Playground Equipment Installation - Parks staff installed new playground units at McElroy Park and Briarwood Park. Jenkins Park playground also received the city s first 2-5 year-old age specific playground, which included an Expression Swing. The Expression Swing is an interactive swing that allows the toddler, as well as the parent, to swing in unison. These improvements were added to the existing Jenkins Park playground to make a play area that can accommodate large groups. I. Blue Heron Park - The Park was constructed by the City s Engineering Department, with assistance from Parks and Recreation staff. The Park is a dualuse park in which it gives the citizens a great place to play and exercise, but also doubles as a detention/retention pond for Blue Heron Parkway during extreme flood events. The Park improvements were paid for by the Blue Heron road construction and included a 2/3 mile loop trail, a 20 car parking lot and.41 miles of connecting trail to Barkaloo Park and Barkaloo Road. The loop trail was landscaped with 54 thirty gallon-size trees of which 31 were from our tree farm that were planted as part of a planting day organized by the Department on December 6 th with over 30 volunteers, including the Mayor and several councilmembers. The trees were made possible through a fund raising campaign. The trees that were planted consisted of over ten different Texas native species. 14

15 J. Bicentennial Park s Veterans Memorial Plaza - The Veterans Memorial Plaza at Bicentennial Park received a face lift due to the generosity of Friends of Keith Grace. The group raised funds to obtain two granite benches, one displaying Keith Grace s name. The Friends also replaced the Plaza sign in the front of the Park with a beautiful black granite sign. The sign displayed a smoked out American flag with the original donors listed on the back. K. Community Center Improvements The Community Center received several upgrades this past year, including replacing windows, upgrading the sound system and replacement of the roof. With the assistance of the Engineering Department, all of the building s existing 1968 windows were replaced with hurricane resistant windows. The project included removing the existing windows and frames, including the bottom panes on each window which was removed and bricked up leaving only the upper window. The newly installed windows are double pane hurricane windows. All three entrances were also replaced, including the addition of an electronic door near the Senior Center. The Community Center received many improvements over the year with the biggest being the new roof. The Community Center roof was leaking in several spots. The old gravel roof was completely removed, and a new roof was installed with an extensive warranty. A new state-of-the-art sound system and projector was installed in the Auditorium. The new system eliminates the bad feedback issues we were having with the last system. L. Wetlands Center Kayak Launch - The Wetlands Center received the City s first floating kayak launch. The launch is located adjacent to the Wetlands Center boat ramp. The new launch allows kayakers easy access into Goose Creek with a paddling path to the Bay. Two more kayak launches are planned for Bayland Park and Roseland Park in the next budget year. 15

16 M. Goose Creek Phase V and Phase VI Trail - The goal of the Goose Creek Trail Phase V and VI is to connect Hutto Parkway to the Goose Creek Trail that currently ends at Busch Terrace Park. The project is divided into two phases. Phase V will connect the Hutto Parkway trail to the Animal Shelter and Phase VI will connect the Animal Shelter to Busch Terrace Park. Goose Creek Phase V Trail Construction began on Phase V in May 2014 beginning at Goose Creek near the Animal Control Facility and eventually connected to the Hutto Parkway Trail at Rollingbrook and Emmett Hutto Boulevard near the Citgo station. The Phase V Trail will add 1.2 miles to the Goose Creek Trail system and will include an 80 bridge. Teamwork Construction Services contracted the first section of the eight foot wide concrete trail ending at Goose Creek. Terra Associates was contracted for the design of the 80 bridge and bridge abutments, including the appropriated permits from the Harris County Flood Control (HCFC). The permit agreement with HCFC has been a lengthy project; however, the project is currently out for bid. The bridge has been ordered and is expected to arrive in September Staff will again contract with Teamwork Construction for the remaining section of trail connecting to Rollingbrook Drive. The project is expected to be completed by winter Goose Creek Phase VI Trail The layout and design for the Phase VI section of the trail is currently under design by Terra Associates. Design is expected to be completed in the fall of 2015 and will then be presented to the Texas Department of Transportation for approval. The project is expected to be completed in the spring of This section will go from Highway 146, where Phase V ended, to Busch Terrace Park off of Highway 146 feeder road. Once this section is complete, Goose Creek Trail will span from Bayland Park, on the south side of town, to Baker Road, in the heart of Baytown. N. Goose Creek Park Improvements Park crews made several improvements to the original Goose Creek Phase I Trail, including replacing the handrails along the handicapped access ramp near the West Texas Avenue/Goose Creek Bridge. The bridge also received renovations as the safety fencing along the bridge was removed and replaced, as well as receiving a fresh coat of paint. Two, aging 30 foot-long pedestrian bridges were also replaced. Park crews constructed the two bridges from scratch, including having the new bridges hot dipped galvanized to insure many years of service. 16

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18 O. Fred Hartman Bridge Gateway Monument - The second City Gateway is currently being constructed at the base of the Fred Hartman Bridge. Parks staff contracted with DT Construction for the installation of a 45 foot-tall oil derrick, which includes two 40 foot-tall flag poles and a large Baytown cast stone sign. The new monument will have LED lighting which staff will be able to change the base colors depending on the season. The blue star on top of the derrick will be lighted from the interior of the star and will be a prominent symbol at night. The project will be completed in August with the completion of the electrical work. Parks staff will landscape the monument in the fall. As the Department has done with the I-10 Gateway Monument, staff plans to add decorations during the Christmas season and to change the colors on the monument to document special days such as St. Patrick s Day and Valentine s Day. P. Allenbrook Park Improvements - Allenbrook Park had serious drainage issues for several years that were heavily impacted by the 2011 drought. The Parks Division planned to alleviate the drainage issues by redirecting the park s drainage away from Allenbrook Drive to the Baker Road underground drainage pipes. Parks staff removed the playground and several drought damaged sections of trail before any work on the park began. Crews installed several hundred feet of underground drainage into the park and graded the existing ditches to the new piping. Parks staff then contracted with Teamwork Construction Services to remove and replace several sections of uneven trail throughout the Park, and remove and replace the basketball court. The new basketball court was slightly relocated to the west. A new light pole and fixtures were added to the new court to enhance the lighting. A new playground was constructed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The playground is a new style playground that incorporates a web of rope climbers, as well as offshoots of a more traditional playground. Crews then added recycled (tires) rubber mulch fall surface. 18

19 Q. Jenkins/Hollaway Park Projects - Improvements to Jenkins and Hollaway Parks include Hollaway Park tennis and basketball courts, Cary Bayou Trail, Cary Bayou bridges and Jenkins Park Dog Park. The heavily used Hollaway Park tennis court received upgraded lighting, which included new poles and eight new light fixtures that increased the light levels significantly. The court improvements also included the replacement of the existing rusted galvanized fence with a ten foot-tall black vinyl post and fabric fence. The Hollaway Park basketball court received two new goals, backboards, and posts. The Cary Bayou Trail received a 2 inch cap of decomposed granite including the Dog Park trails. Improvements to the Jenkins Park Dog Park included additional dog park agility equipment to the large dog park area, as well as to the small dog park area. The two Cary Bayou bridges also received improvements to the walking surface. A porous pave system was installed over the two rail car bridges replacing the decomposed granite surface. The decomposed granite does not allow water to percolate quickly leaving standing water on the bridge during heavy rainfall. The new system allows for water to percolate quickly, and is made up of 50% rock and 50% rubber and will provide a softer surface to run on. R. Texas Avenue Streetscape and Town Square The original project was to be a complete reconstruction of one block of Texas Avenue from the corner of Gailard Street to the intersection of Ashbel Street. The work on the street section included all new utilities, landscaping, pavement, widened sidewalks, street lamps and benches, and decorative pave-stone sections. The town square project included the removal of existing asphalt/ pavement associated with the existing parking lots and abandoned driveways, and the construction of a town square. The town square project would include a large water fountain, ice rink power and other peripherals necessary for a seasonal ice rink installation, decorative paving, benches, streetscape elements, landscaping, two prefabricated buildings, lighting, and vendor support utility hookups. Bids were opened in March and came in way over budget; therefore, the project was split into two projects. The Engineering Department rebid the streetscape project, and the Parks and Recreation Department took on the challenge of acting as a general contractor and building the Town Square portion of the project. Parks staff has bid several sections of the project, including the prefabricated buildings, the fountain and pump equipment, the concrete flat work and the electrical construction. The project began offsite with the construction of the fountain and buildings in June, however, all construction work will begin on site starting in early August with the plaza ready for the ice rink in November. With additional funding from the Municipal Development District available in October 2015, the project will not stop once the ice rink is in place with additional lighting, a stage and landscaping continuing into spring of The streetscape project is expected to be completed in October The project renderings are located on page 60-61in the Appendix section. 19

20 Beautification Projects A. Medians - The focus of the eighth year of the City s median beautification project was the landscaping of Alexander Drive between Ward Road and Texas Avenue. This completed the 2007 bond beautification projects. During the project, Baytown medians were landscaped, including Baker Road, Rollingbrook, Decker, Hutto Parkway and Alexander. Several small triangles were also landscaped, including Graywood and Kentucky Triangles. The project made a significant impact on the appearance and image of the City s thoroughfares. B. Alexander Ward Road to Texas Avenue - Parks staff completed the last phase of the median beautification projects this year with the remainder of Alexander medians. The medians went from Ward Road to Texas Avenue for a total of 8 medians. During this planting, 46 sixty five gallon-size trees and 120 thirty gallon-size crape myrtles were planted. This span of medians is.8 miles, and is now lush and flowering. C. Hutto Parkway Wildflowers - The banks of the ditches received a Texas/Oklahoma blend of wildflowers. The flowers could be seen from both the road and the walkway. The blend consisted of Texas Bluebonnet, Indian Blanket, Scarlet Flax, Tickseed, Lemon Mint, Purple Coneflower, Drummond Phlox, Cornflower, Rocket Larkspur, Baby Blue Eyes, Ox-Eyed Daisy, California Poppy, Yellow Cosmos, Tall Poppy, Mallow, Golden-Wave Coreopsis, Plains Coreopsis, Clasping Coneflower, Black-Eyed Susan, Tuber Vervain, Corn Poppy, Spurred Snapdragon, Dwarf Red Coreopsis, Standing Cypress, Showy Primrose, Mexican Hat and Texas Paintbrush. D. Arbor Day - Arbor Day was celebrated on Friday, April 24 th, at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center. Over 1,200 one gallon size trees were given away throughout the day, including Live Oak, Bald Cypress, Green Ash, Eastern Redbud, Chickasaw Plum, Bur Oak, Overcup Oak, Water Oak and Southern Crabapple trees and Texas Avenue Oak trees. The trees were either grown from seed at the Parks and Recreation Department's tree farm or donated seedlings from the Apache Corporation. Restoration of natural trees is a key component of efforts to enhance and beautify the appearance of a community. Staff also created tree descriptions for each tree type to assist residents in the proper care and maintenance. 20

21 E. ExxonMobil-Unidad Park Tree Project - ExxonMobil donated the funding and volunteer labor for the planting of 310 thirty gallon-size trees at Unidad Park. The donation included all necessary items for the trees, such as t-posts and fertilizer to keep the trees healthy. The 310 trees are spread with 110 trees being installed in Unidad Park, and 200 being installed on Highway 146 median at J.B. Lefevre. F. Park Trees - The Department planted 45 thirty gallon-size trees, grown from the Department s tree nursery. All of the trees were planted by the Parks crew at Blue Heron Park. The Department added drip irrigation to the newly planted trees. G. Texas Department of Transportation Right of Way Maintenance The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Right of Way Mowing Program was developed to alleviate the number of complaints caused by the lack of TxDOT contractors mowing major highways. Started on January 2 nd, 2009, the program continues to be a success and staff has added broadleaf weed control to continue to improve the appearance of Spur 330, Business 146 and Highway 146. The Department continued the City s commitment to the freeways appearance again this past year. One day each month, the Parks crew removes litter from the right-of-way along Spur 330, Highway 146 (Hartman Bridge to Cedar Bayou Bridge) and Business 146. Since October 2012, TxDOT reimburses the City for three mowing rotations and the monthly litter program. 21

22 Grants and Special Projects I. Baytown Nature Center A. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Recreational Trails Grant Baytown Nature Center, Nature Trails, Phase II - Staff received a $57,240 grant to construct 5,340 feet of new decomposed granite trail at the Baytown Nature Center. The project is composed of two sections. The first provided access to the Myra C. Brown Wild Bird Sanctuary. The second section replaced a dirt path with a new decomposed granite trail that connects the Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden to the Phase I Trail on Bayshore Drive. The project also included the construction of a 20 foot by 40 foot wildlife viewing platform which overlooks a brackish water lake at the end of the Myra C. Brown section of the trail. Construction began in late spring 2013, when a contractor used a hydro-ax to clear a path from the trailhead near the BNC Visitor s Center to the Myra C. Brown Wild Bird Sanctuary. Several Boy Scouts volunteered to clean the path of limbs, plants and other debris that remained. During the winter months of 2014, Parks crews began construction of the trail. Crews created a good trail base by utilizing milled asphalt stored from the mill and overlay project of the Nature Center roads that were completed in the previous year. The milled asphalt base was then rolled and packed to provide a good base for the trail. Crews then spread one to two inches of decomposed granite as the walking surface of the trail. Eagle Scout candidates and Parks crews constructed the Myra C. Brown Wild Bird Sanctuary wildlife overlook. Parks crews completed a few stretches of trail, and placed benches and interpretive signage along the trail. The project was completed in early spring

23 B. GB Biosciences - 11 Acre Mitigation Project After six years of planning and waiting, the 11 acre mitigation project was finally completed in the spring of Staff worked with members of the GB Biosciences Team, Crouch Environmental Services, and the Natural Resources Trustees Program (NRTP) on the mitigation project. The GB Biosciences team includes representatives from GB Biosciences Corporation, Malcolm Pirnie and Arcadis. GB Biosciences Corporation was required to do a mitigation project and negotiated the project with the City and the NRTP. The NRTP consists of members from several environmental agencies including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Texas General Land Office. GB Biosciences Corporation provided funding for the mitigation project, and Crouch Environmental Services Inc. completed the work. The project was located on Burnet Bay (north side of the BNC) along Bayshore Drive between the road and the shoreline, and a small triangle shaped corner of the old Crow Road and Mapleton Street. The 11 acre mitigation project started on March 17, This project, which was actually in three separate areas of the Nature Center, included the removal of several house slabs and clearing the area of vegetation in preparation of the final grading. The contractor, Crouch Environmental Services, graded and cleaned the area to the needed elevations. The final phase of the project, completed this past spring, was the planting of Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) and Spartina patens (saltmeadow hay). An old swimming pool that was part of a home in the old Brownwood subdivision (now the Baytown Nature Center), and located in the 11 acre project, was salvaged and will be used as an excellent interpretive opportunity to tell the story of the former subdivision s fight with subsidence. The project was awarded the 2015 On-the-Ground Projects Under $500,000 Award by the Harris/Galveston Area Council that was discussed earlier in this report. 23

24 C. Day of Caring Projects - The Friends of the Baytown Nature Center, ExxonMobil staff and Park crews worked on several projects at the Baytown Nature Center for the United Way Day of Caring. Improvements include: Built Picnic Tables on the Myra C. Brown Birding Trailhead Constructed a Pier as Step 1 of a New Kayak Launch Installed Recycled Graveyard in Children s Nature Discovery Area General Repairs to Fencing, Decks, and Tracey s Theater II. Tabbs Bay Cleanup In 2012, the City of Baytown began the task of removing hundreds of abandoned and derelict pilings and other junk that littered Tabbs Bay near Bayland Park. The removal of the pilings improved navigability, provided safer public accessibility, added enjoyment, and beautified this popular nighttime fishing spot and waterfront area, as part of larger beautification and redevelopment plans for the Bay and the adjacent Bayland Island Park and Marina. With the aid of two General Land Office Coastal Management Program (GLO- CMP) Grants and the Municipal Development District, the City has removed 1,273 pilings over the past three years. A third GLO-CMP grant will begin in August 2015, and is expected to complete the removal project. A brief overview of the four phases follows: A. GLO-CMP - Cycle 16 Grant With the aid of the City s grant writer, Staff applied for and was awarded a $135,000 grant that will fund the removal of pilings and litter in Tabbs Bay near Bayland Park. This project officially began in November Staff completed an extensive search with responsible agencies, such as the US Corp of Engineers, the General Land Office and the Port of Houston, to ensure that no special permits would be needed to complete this project. With the aid of the Purchasing Department, the project was bid and a construction contract for the removal of 300 abandoned derelict poles was awarded to Crawley Shoreline Construction in September The project began by removing abandoned pilings in Goose Lake, just south of the West Main Bridge, and continues through Business 146 and into Tabbs Bay. The removal and disposal project began in late October and took four days to complete. There were a total of 312 piling removed and disposed of. 24

25 B. GLO-CMP - Cycle 17 Grant - The City s grant writer and Parks and Recreation Staff again teamed up, applied for, and were awarded with a second $135,000 grant that continued funding the removal of piling and other debris from Tabbs Bay. The second grant picked up where the Cycle 16 project ended. The project began in October 2012, and staff used lessons learned from the Cycle 16 project to improve and speed up the bidding process. Since the Cycle 16 process went so well, communication with the GLO-CMP staff went very smoothly. A construction contract for the removal of 427 abandoned and derelict pilings was awarded to Huffman Construction in February The project continued where Cycle 16 left off removing piles immediately around Bayland Island, then moving toward Hog Island. C. Tabbs Bay Derelict Pilings Removal Phase III This project continued the momentum from the first two projects that removed 739 abandoned pilings from Goose Creek and Tabbs Bay. Staff requested and received $100,000 in Municipal Development District funds in the 2014 budget. Following the same path as the first two successful projects, staff along with the Purchasing Department, bid the project and awarded a construction contract to Huffman Construction in December 2013 to remove 534 abandoned pilings from Tabbs Bay. The project was completed in February D. GLO-CMP - Cycle 19 Grant - The City s grant writer and Parks and Recreation Staff again teamed up, applied for and were awarded with a third grant. The $166,000 Cycle 19 grant will continue and complete the removal of piling and debris from Tabbs Bay. Staff added $20,000 to the MDD funded match to remove tires, shopping carts and debris from Goose Creek. Staff planned to start the project during the early winter months of 2015; however, the project was delayed by the Coastal Management Program and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), because of concerns with possible West Indian Manatees. Staff made the requested language changes in the bid documents and the project was bid out. The project will be awarded at the August 13, 2015, City Council meeting and the removal of 900 to 1,000 remaining derelict piles is scheduled to be removed by the end of September

26 III. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Recreational Trails Grant Cary Bayou Trail Phase III - Staff received a $44,044 grant to construct 3,940 feet of new decomposed granite trail at Jenkins Park. Jenkins Park was expanded in 2007 with the purchase of an additional 56 acres of land. With the additional parkland, the City of Baytown has constructed a five acre dog park and a disc golf course. The proposed Cary Bayou Trail Phase III project will add an additional 3,940 feet of decomposed granite trail, providing a natural surface walking/jogging trail loop around the newly acquired 56 acres. The project will also add a short connection to Crosby Cedar Bayou Road, allowing future connectivity to the planned Blue Heron Park trail at the end of Blue Heron Parkway. The trail will be designed and constructed by the City of Baytown Parks and Recreation Department employees, and will include signage and benches. The decomposed granite surface will provide a soft, user friendly surface. The proposed construction will utilize in-house labor, which will be the City s match for the project. The trail itself will be eight feet wide, with a milled asphalt base and a decomposed granite overlay for the wearing surface matching the existing 11,513 feet of trail in the heavily used 100 acre Hollaway-Jenkins Park. When complete, the Park will provide nearly 3 miles of multi-use trail for Park visitors. Trail construction is expected to begin in January

27 Proposed 2016 Projects Several major park improvement projects are proposed for the upcoming year: I. Municipal Development District (MDD) Funded Projects A. The Texas Avenue Town Square Project, Phase II B. Pelly Park Loop Trail C. Westwood Park Fence Enclosure D. Lincoln Cedars Park Fence Improvements E. Roseland Park Restroom Replacement F. Fire Fighter Memorial Repairs G. Community Center Path Improvements H. Kayak Launches at Bayland Park and Roseland Park I. Painting of Bridges over Goose Creek J. Baytown Sports League Improvements K. Purchase of an Ice Rink for Town Square II. City of Baytown Budget Capital Projects A. Replace all electrical meters at the Bayland Island Marina B. Replacement Play Equipment III. Ongoing Projects A. Texas Avenue Town Square Project B. Replace Three Picnic Shelters at Unidad Park C. GLO/CMP Grant Match Tabbs Bay + Cleaning of Goose Creek D. Special Needs Playground at Bowie Park E. Goose Creek Trail Phase V F. Goose Creek Trail Phase VI 27

28 Recreation Program Accomplishments 2014 Fall Community Yard Sale was held on September 20 th at Bicentennial Park with twenty-seven community venders selling a wide array of goods Baytown 9 th Annual Grito Fest - was held at Bicentennial Park on October 4 th. The event was held from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and featured the popular La Sonora Dinamita, along with Ruben Ramos and Mariachis Los Gallitos. Festival goers enjoyed the annual Grito Competition, Salsa and Jalapeno Eating Contest, and an Accordion Competition. The event was enjoyed by over 5,000 people. We enjoyed great weather and many thanks to the Grito Fest volunteers. 28

29 2014 Baytown Veterans Day Ceremony - The Baytown Parks and Recreation Department hosted its annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11 th. The program was moved from Bicentennial Park to the Baytown Community Center due to bad weather. Despite the weather, the program had over 200 citizens in attendance. Guest speakers included ABC News Commentator, Art Rascon Baytown Christmas Parade was held on Thursday, December 4 th was one of the best weather forecasts in recent years, so the parade drew a great crowd as always. The parade featured over 130 entries, which included several entries of two or more vehicles and trailers. Texas Avenue was filled with the holiday spirit, as the parade kicked off the holiday season with lighted floats, all three high school bands, dance teams, fire trucks and of course Santa Claus Baytown Art Exhibition and Reception was held at the Baytown Community Center on Friday, December 5th. The reception featured the awards ceremony for both student art and professional art. The event was well attended with an estimated crowd of 450 students, parents, professional artists and art enthusiasts Ballroom Dances were held the third Friday of each month. Participants enjoyed dancing the Fox Trot, Mambo, Tango, Swing, Cha Cha and more. Each month an average of forty participants attended. 29

30 2015 Youth Sports Expo was held at the Community Center on January 17 th & 18 th and again on the following weekend, January 24 th and 25 th. Representatives from Baytown Little League, Girls Fast Pitch, Teenage Baseball, Baytown Saint Soccer, Optimist football, Dirty Bay Aquatics, and The Baytown Summer Track Team were in attendance to answer any questions from local parents. The event also marks the time of the year where the Parks and Recreation Department updates the Youth Sports portion of the City of Baytown s website with all the newly elected presidents information Daddy and Me Dance was a tremendous success on Friday February 6 th. Attendance was so high that we had to revert to our Pirates Bay entry of one out - one in around 8 PM, but everyone got in with lots of smiling little girls (and a few Mommy and sons too). Over 1,000 tickets were sold for the annual event. This year Staff arranged for a heart shaped ice sculpture, cookies and punch, and even an antique carriage to be at the dance providing dads and daughters a night to remember 2015 Leagues Opening Day was held on Saturday, March 7 th for all youth leagues. Staff worked with all the Leagues prior to opening day by providing paint and supplies to make the necessary improvements to the parks and concession stands. 30

31 2015 Baytown Special Olympics Track Meet - The Parks and Recreation Department was set to host the 33 rd annual Baytown Special Olympics Track and Field Meet, on Saturday, April 26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Goose Creek Memorial High School Stadium. However, due to heavy rains that morning the event was canceled. The 2014 event was on pace to duplicate the 2013 event which was a huge success with 400 participants that included athletes, coaches and chaperones, as well as close to 200 volunteers. This also marked the last event for Assistant Director, Kylie Wilson who said the Special Olympics is an amazing program to showcase the abilities of our athletes, It s a day to support and cheer them on and lift them up as they compete in a number of track and field events. She also said, It s also a great opportunity for companies and organizations to give back to others, while also putting a smile on the face of each and every athlete competing, If someone has never volunteered at this event before, I encourage them to do so. They will be changed forever Spring Community Yard Sale took place on Saturday May 9 th. We had over 40 venders selling various goods Memorial Day Ceremony - The City of Baytown partnered with the VFW Post 912 to offer the annual Memorial Day Ceremony held on May 25 th. Jerry Johnson started the event, which included a dove release, reading the names of the Baytown Fallen Solders. Special guest speakers included Mark Broussard of Cedar Bayou Baptist Church and retired US Army Captain Terry Hestilow. This year was the first chance we were able to use the new special events chairs, along with the new 20 American Flags that surrounded the Veterans Memorial Plaza. Even with less than perfect weather, we still had an estimated attendance upward of 250 people 31

32 2015 July 3 rd & 4 th Celebration - The two-day Fourth of July celebration began at 6 p.m. on July 3 rd with a performance by Gary-Michael Dahl, followed by headliner.38 Special taking the stage at 8 p.m. An attendance record was set by.38 Special for the July 3 rd concert at Baytown s Bicentennial Park. An estimated 8,000 were in attendance The fun continued on the 4 th with activities at Bicentennial Park starting again at 4 p.m. as the vendor and games booths opened. Local favorite, Texas Avenue Band, took the stage at 4:30 to kick off Saturday s concerts, followed by the annual 4 th of July Parade down Market Street. At 6 p.m., Hill Country Jane entertained a growing crowd when they took the stage with their unique brand of home-grown Texas music. Country superstar Clay Walker headlined the Saturday show hitting the stage at 8 p.m. to a record estimated crowd of around 35,000! The evening wrapped up with a bang at 9:30 with the annual Fireworks Extravaganza that featured patriotic music selected by Baytown Parks and Aquatic s popular DJ Mike The entire Parks and Recreation Department, Police Department, Fire Department, Traffic Control Division, Health Department, Public Affairs / Tourism Office, Public Works Department and Harris County Constables went above and beyond the call of duty to make the Independence Day event a tremendous success. 32

33 Leisure Programs The Parks and Recreation Department s goal is to serve the community by offering programs that benefit the well-being of the public of all ages. Staff is continuously growing, expanding and adding programs and activities throughout the year by listening to the needs and interests of the public. Currently, we are able to offer quality leisure programs with a wide range of entry fees to suit any family. We are also very fortunate to work with qualified instructors in our community that share the same values and goals of our department. Programs offered or expanded this year were as follows: Children/Youth: Messy Mitts o Halloween Crafts o Christmas Crafts o Spring Crafts o Making Music Instruments Software Development Class Karate Kindermusik Class Kids Night Out Summer Camps: o Digital Photography Camp o Lego Mania o Lego Camp o Survival Camp o Art Camp o Princess Dance Camp 33

34 Adults: Quilting Workshop Belly Dance Yoga Ballroom Dance Line Dance Fitness Class Karate Baytown Photo Club Baytown Walks Introduction of City of Baytown parks/ trails Know Your Park Trees Class about vegetation at Blue Heron Park Fitness Classes for City Employees o Yoga o Core & More DVD Work out o Work In Progress DVD Work out Athletics Programs The City of Baytown is always striving to offer the community many new and exciting recreational and competitive sporting activities regardless of skill level. Within the past year, we have grown and expanded many of our existing sports and are excited to introduce many new sports in the near future. Our existing adult programs include men s 7 vs. 7 soccer, coed flag football, coed kickball, and men s/coed slow pitch softball. We are looking forward to adding a coed division of adult 7 vs. 7 soccer due to the 34

35 high level of success in our current program. We are also proud to say that we brought an additional division of Senior Softball to Baytown as they preferred our amenities to that of their current location. All leagues are sanctioned by the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) and the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), and play an eight to ten game schedule with doubleheaders each night followed by a single elimination tournament at the end of each season. Along with our current leagues, staff also works with ExxonMobil, The Senior Softball Association, and various other tournament organizations such as 24/7 Softball, Jokers Tournament Series, Global Sports Authority (GSA), Amateur Softball Association (ASA), National Softball Association (NSA), and Circuit Tournament Softball to assist in hosting league or tournament games at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex. Games are offered throughout the year with our Fall, Spring, Spring II, Summer, and Winter leagues as well as many various year round softball tournaments. To date, more than 200 teams have registered and participated in our sport leagues this past year Baytown Summer Track Program began on April 13 th and ended at the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) summer games at College Station, Texas on August 2 nd. This year the program was led by 3 rd year Head Coach Leon Smith, newly promoted Head Coach Teclesha Blanchard, and returning assistant coach Daniel Staggs, as well as new assistance coaches Kerwin Lewis and Jeffrey Bryant. The program involved four day a week practices at Baytown s Ross S. Sterling High School Track, as well as weekly circuit meets at various surrounding communities including Galena Park, La Porte, Deer Park, Texas City, Conroe and Pasadena. All the participants, ages 6 18, ran at the TAAF regional meet on July 9 th and 10 th in Texas City, Texas. 35

36 2015 TAAF Summer Games were held July 30 th August 2 nd, in College Station, Texas. The Olympic-style competition for amateur athletes includes events in a number of sports including track, swimming, softball, bowling, tennis, gymnastics, boxing, golf, flag football, volleyball, baseball and soccer. The Baytown Track Team participated in the meet. The Baytown Team was successful at the TAAF state games qualifying a total of 21 athletes in track and field events. Of those 21 qualifying 2 athletes made the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation finals competing in a total of 3 events on August 2 nd. The 2 athletes finished 4 th, 6 th and 6 th respectively. Although we only made the finals in 3 events, this was the first year for a majority of the children to compete in any TAAF related track and field programs. With this in mind we are very excited about the development of these athletes and their ability to compete in future events. Senior Recreation Center - The seniors continue to enjoy the weekly programs each month, including Bridge, Quilting, Bingo, Dominoes, and Cards. The monthly dances with live bands are always popular. Each quarter, the seniors also host a luncheon, where they plan new and exciting activities for the months ahead. Also, President David Weber continues to offer monthly casino trips that are always fully attended. The Baytown Community Center will be a host site for the regional 2015 Senior Olympic Games. Remaining Programs for Baytown Community Garage Sale Saturday, September 12 th 2015 Grito Fest Saturday, October 3 rd 2015 Veterans Day Ceremony Wednesday, November 11 th 2015 Baytown Christmas Parade Thursday, December 3 rd 2015 Baytown Art Exhibition & Reception Friday, December 4 th 2015 Senior Olympics October 13 th 15 th 36

37 Aquatics The Aquatics Division enjoyed a year without construction for the first time since The completed expansion of Pirates Bay (completed in May 2014) increased the parks capacity, and provided additional service facilities that included a second concession stand, additional restrooms, staff offices, employee break room and additional parking. The aquatic features include a 10,500 square foot wave pool with a stage, a slide tower with two multi-rider slides, including a Boomerango and a Colorado Drop Slide, and an interactive fountain. Two large picnic shelters along with several shade structures surround the new wave pool. Despite the added capacity, Pirates Bay is at, or near, capacity daily. The City s Aquatic programs and facilities are quickly becoming one of the best in the State of Texas. Pirates Bay was ranked 14 th Best Waterpark in the State of Texas and 3 rd among municipally operated facilities by the Only in Your State web site. The Aquatics Division is set up as a self-supporting enterprise fund with revenue paying for all operational expenses including personnel, utilities and routine maintenance for both Pirates Bay and Calypso Cove. The operating costs for the two facilities have no impact on the City s operations budget. In addition, one dollar from every admission ticket sold at both parks is set aside for future capital maintenance costs. Following the 2014 season, $668,662 has been set aside in the Capital Replacement account since the park opened in The maintenance account has been very helpful this past year as the park begins to need additional care between seasons to continue to have a fresh look and to replace expensive pumps and equipment as needed. The Aquatics Division includes four full time employees and 350 seasonal employees that staff the two waterparks. In the 2016 budget, Aquatics Manager, Mike Flinn s title will be changed to Superintendent of Aquatics. 37

38 Beginning in January, the Aquatics staff hired and trained over 350 local employees in various positions from lifeguards, concession operators, ticket takers and custodial duties. This year, approximately 60% of lifeguards, and 20% of guest services staff returned from the 2014 season providing some continuity on the staff. Four employees returned for their sixth year at the park. The lifeguards are all certified through the Red Cross in Waterpark Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR, Oxygen Administration, and AED usage. Staff are trained on the large slides and rides including the FlowRider. The aquatics staff is cross-trained to work at both Pirates Bay and Calypso Cove. During the 2014 summer season, the Aquatics Division expended $1,045,049 in personnel costs to 350 high school and college students that worked at Pirates Bay and Calypso Cove. The City s aquatics facilities have become an excellent opportunity for summer employment for our youth. Staff continued to come up with new and innovative ways to advertise the water park. The Parks and Recreation Department ran a commercial across the greater Houston area on Comcast Cable. The City also utilized Houston and Beaumont area radio stations, scoreboard advertisements, website ads, advertising at the Premiere Cinema Theater, along with traditional print ads in local and Houston area newspapers and magazines, as well as state-wide publications. The Department also utilizes Facebook and Twitter along with the City of Baytown s websites: and Pirates Bay Water Park The Pirates Bay Water Park continued its popularity from the first five seasons drawing visitors from all over southeast Texas and beyond. The expansion completed in 2014 added much needed capacity that reduced the long entrance lines; however, the popular waterpark is at or near capacity from Thursdays through the weekend. 38

39 Staff continued several successful programs including Swimming Lessons, FlowRider lessons, Dive in Movies, and the Itty Bitty Beach Party. The Itty Bitty Beach Party is open to little pirates up to age 5 and their parents once a week from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. New this year, Special Pirates Night - In a partnership with Goose Creek CISD Special Education and Baytown Parks and Recreation, Pirates Bay has begun hosting a monthly special needs night. On these nights, the park is open from 7:30-10 PM exclusively for special needs children and their families. For these events, the park has 25 additional guards that are in the water serving as park ambassadors who interact with the kids and their families. The event has received great reviews from parents. The first event was held June 22 nd and attracted 298 special needs children and families. Success can really be measured by our second event that was held on July 6 th and attracted 796 special needs children and families. There are many touching stories that have come out of this event. Guards are lining up to get a shift on these nights. There is one additional night left for this season on August 17 th. The 3 rd Annual Pirates Bay Flowrider Competition will be held at Pirates Bay Water Park on Sunday, August 9 th. The extremely exciting event attracts both local and regional contestants; however, we expect several from out of state. The Luau-themed event will have a Youth (12 and under) and Adult division. Calypso Cove Calypso Cove is a smaller Caribbean-themed water park and is located at N.C. Foote Park on West Main. Attendance for the 2014 summer season also exceeded expectations with 18,803 visitors. The pool has a capacity of 125 people and averaged 216 visitors per day in Calypso Cove attendance in 2015 is projected to be the best year yet with 14,994 guests by July 31 st. 39

40 Spray Parks and Splash Decks - The popular facilities are open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. on Sundays. The facilities will be open daily until November 1 st. All five spray parks will reopen for the 2016 season on Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. McElroy Park Spray Park The McElroy Park Spray Park opened for its fourth season on March 7 th. The large 4,511 square foot spray park features three large picnic shelters, sixteen picnic tables, large family size grills, connecting trails, and a 20 space parking lot. Pelly Park Splash Deck The Pelly Park Splash Deck opened for its fourth season on March 7 th. The very popular splash deck served the Pelly area neighborhoods during the long hot summer. Bergeron Park Splash Deck The Bergeron Park Splash Deck opened for its fifth season on March 7 th. The very popular splash deck served the West Baytown neighborhood during last summer s extremely hot weather cooling off kids of all ages. Roseland Spray Park This city s first spray park opened for its 13 th season this spring. The spray park was renovated during the off season that included the replacement of all the valves and controllers. All the spray units were painted with special water equipment paint that resists chipping and fading in the hot summer sun. Several low spots in the deck were leveled to improve drainage along with the installation of Cool Crete coating that provided a non-slip surface and is much cooler to walk on. Central Heights Park Splash Deck The Central Heights Park Splash Deck opened for its second full season on March 7 th. The project was funded by the Community Development Block Grant. The project funding was secured thanks to the hard work of the neighborhood and has been a nice addition to the popular neighborhood park. 40

41 Environmental Programs Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center A. The Wetlands Center conducted the ExxonMobil Wetlands Ecology Program (16 th year) and Bayer Making Science Make Sense Program (15 th year) for over 1,700 Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) 5 th grade students. Students participated in educational activities at both the Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center. Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) -aligned activities center around wetland ecosystem awareness, marine debris and biodegradation timelines, estuary modeling, animal adaptations, scientific methods and use of microscopes, life cycles and metamorphosis, and live animal biology. Barbers Hill began sending their 5 th graders to the Wetlands Center for the Wetlands Ecology Program as well. B. The Rotary Club of Baytown Liquid Science Program for GCCISD 7 th graders was conducted for the 7 th year. Approximately 1,650 GCCISD 7 th graders participated in the program, which focused on water sampling and analysis, watersheds and pollutant awareness, abiotic and biotic parameters affecting an ecosystem, and the aquatic ecosystem requirements and biology of blue crabs. The Rotary Club of Baytown continues to sponsor the program. 41

42 C. Wetlands Center staff once again conducted ten weeks of Wade Into Wetlands Summer Science Camps, this year offering camps for 1 st through 10 th graders. Camp offerings this year included Rocky, MOVE Remix, Things with Wings, Dig It!, Mad Science, Splash!, Slither, Outsiders, and The Big Picture! Each camp was full, accommodating students. The Friends of the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center awarded $6,000 in low income and academic scholarships. Private donors sponsored eight campers from Harbour House. Chevron Phillips once again served as the major corporate sponsor. D. Wetlands Center staff conducted the 6 th Annual Spring into Nature Spring Break Camp for 4 th - 6 th grade students. Thirteen students enjoyed the pioneer-focused week long camp, which included trips to Jesse Jones Nature Center s Pioneer Homestead, Froberg Strawberry Farm, George Ranch Historical Park, Blue Heron Farm and Almost Heaven Riding Stables. Staff also conducted 1 st annual EPIC Spring Break Camp for EPIC kids, sponsored by former Salt Water Anglers League of Texas. The Wetlands Center staff conducted the 5 th Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Camp. The three-day camp hosted 11 campers who had a great time visiting the Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo and the ice skating rink at Discovery Green Park. E. Wetlands Center staff hosted educational field trips for pre-schools, churches, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, home-schoolers, public schools within and outside of GCCISD (elementary through high school), private schools, both within and outside GCCISD, Lee College, daycares and senior citizen groups. School districts attending Wetlands Center now include Devers ISD, Galena Park ISD, Humble ISD, Barbers Hill ISD, Channelview ISD, Clear Lake ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Crosby ISD, Dayton ISD, Liberty ISD, Katy ISD, Houston ISD, and Sheldon ISD. 42

43 F. The Wetlands Center began a new after-school teen club, EPIC (Environment Protectors Instigating Change). High school students from each of Baytown s high schools meet weekly for an hour, discussing contemporary environmental issues and ways to be involved in the community. Each month the club participates in a local event (i.e. shoreline cleanup, trash pickup, marsh planting, etc.), and each school year they will choose one Big Project to work on throughout the year. This inaugural year the teens chose plastic bag recycling as their issue, and collected over 52,000 bags from local schools and city departments for responsible recycling. Participants also created a Santa s Recycling Workshop float for Baytown s annual Christmas Parade, where they took home the Most Creative entry award. G. The Wetlands Center was once again named a beneficiary of TPC Group s Annual Golf Tournament. These funds allow the Wetlands Wagon Outreach Program to travel across Texas promoting nature education and the City of Baytown to schools, festivals, and other group events. This year TPC Group invited the Wetlands Wagon to their golf tournament, where it was visited by many golfers on the first tee box of the Forest Course. Thank you to the TPC Group for this donation. H. The Wetlands Center continues to host monthly meetings for community groups. Baytown Citizens Advisory Committee, Houston Galveston Area Council, Hill of Rest Cemetery Board, Rotary Club of Baytown, Sportsman s Pursuit, Goose Creek Country Club Garden Club, and Beta Sigma Phi have all gathered at the Wetlands Center. Baytown Bert, aka Bert Marshall, hosts Geocaching workshops at both the Wetlands Center and the Baytown Nature Center. Galveston Bay Foundation hosted two Rain Barrel Workshops, teaching attendees how to successfully create and install rain barrels at their homes. The Wetlands Center continues to host Texas Parks and Wildlife Hunter Education workshops. Jose Flores, with TPWD, teaches the workshops in both English and Spanish. I. Staff attended the 2014 NRPA Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina and presented a workshop entitled Repurposed Property: How Baytown Turned Eyesores into Eco-Tourism and Education. The same session was presented to Texas Recreation and Parks Society s East Region Workshop. Being able to have Baytown represented at both national and local levels is an honor. 43

44 J. Wetlands staff partnered with Lee College biology and elementary education teachers to create a new SEA (Science Educator s Academy) for local elementary teachers from GCCISD and surrounding districts. Selected teachers will participate in one of two six-week sessions, learning basic science concepts that they can use with their own elementary students. The second of those sessions will also travel to Costa Rica where they will spend a week at the Soltis Center, Texas A&M University s Research Center in San Ysidro. Wetlands Center and Lee College staff travelled to the Soltis Center in preparation for developing the curriculum. Both facilities are now represented permanently in a mural on the Soltis Center wall. The SEA program was not funded for the 2015 Lee College summer session but it is expected to be ready to start during the 2016 summer session. K. Staff worked with Bayer and ESCH (Environmental Service Corps of Houston) to develop a preliminary feasibility study of combining the Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center. Bayer employees committed time to researching information which led to a 30-page report that was presented to their administration. The report will ultimately be presented to Baytown Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Baytown City Council to start discussion on combining the facilities in the next few years. L. Wetlands Center staff and volunteers participated in many outreach events, including: NatureFest at Jesse Jones Park in Humble Galveston Bay Foundation s Bay Day at the Kemah Boardwalk Sam Houston Council s Scout Fair at Reliant Arena Sea Scouts Powderhorn Event Texas Forest Service s Woodland and Wildlife Festival University of Scouting Conference Texas Parks and Wildlife Department s Take Me Outdoors Houston Festival at Discovery Green Park Houston Livestock Show Fort Worth Mayfest 44

45 San Antonio Stock Show State Fair of Texas Rotary Club of Baytown s Catfish Festival at Royal Purple Raceway Boy Scout Learning for Life Event Cub Scout Twilight Camp Museum of the Gulf Coast Summer Program Our Promise for West Baytown Summer Camp Lee College Spring Fling and Fall Fiesta Baytown Health and Safety Fair KBR Kid s Fest Crocodile Encounter Croctoberfest in Angleton Keep Pearland Beautiful Earth Day Harris County Earth Day at Deussen Park in Humble Baytown YMCA Open House and Family Day League City Nature Expo Bayer Safety Fair Harris County WaterWeek in Humble Sterling Library Stuffed Animal Sleepover and Summer Reading Program Baytown Special Rodeo Crosby ISD and Dayton ISD Kindergarten AgVenture Days Safari Club International s Star of Hope Kid s Evening Armand Bayou Nature Center Volunteer meeting Outreach activities also included onsite student classes at Crosby Library, Texas Master Naturalist class, and many visits to GCCISD schools and preschools in Baytown. GCCISD and other local schools also hosted the Wetlands Wagon exhibits at numerous fall and spring festivals, career days, and family science nights. M. The Center participated in the City of Baytown s 4 th of July Celebration. Despite the early rain, visitors enjoyed the touch tanks, microscope lab, live animal exhibits and catfish fishing pond. Attendance at the event was heavier than usual, and visitation through the Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center booth reflected the increase. The Wetlands Center also participated in the City of Baytown s Grito Fest. Visitors enjoyed the touch tank, live animal exhibits, and marine debris display. N. Gator Tales, the preschool program at the Wetlands Center, continues to meet in the summer and winter. Kids have story time, meet live animals and participate in an activity or do a craft. Weekly sessions included hands-on nature activities to introduce reptiles, insects, spiders, fish, and many other nature-based topics. Parents/grandparents attend with their children. Gator Tales serves as a good complementary program to Tyke Hike, which is held at the Baytown Nature Center during the spring and fall. 45

46 O. Birthday parties continue to be a popular Saturday event at the Wetlands Center. Promotional flyers advertise Wildest Birthday Party in Town, which includes two hours of room use, tours of the Wetlands Center exhibits, an activity based on the party theme, and a chance to touch and handle wild critters. P. The Friends of the Wetlands Center hosted their annual fund-raising gala at the home of Guy Matthews. Approximately 200 people attended and the event raised close to $22,000. These proceeds help fund extra staff hours and summer science camp scholarships at the Wetlands Center. Q. The Land of Milk and Honey beehive continues to thrive, with volunteer Clarence Shepherd, a local beekeeper, helping to maintain the hive s health. Additional hives at the Baytown Nature Center supply honey which is being bottled as thank-you gifts for volunteers. R. The Friends of the Wetlands Center and Lee College continued their partnership to provide educational interns for the Liquid Science Program. Selected students teach and/or assist with education stations during the Liquid Science Program and receive a scholarship funded by the ExxonMobil Lee College fund for their next semester. S. Four issues of the Wetlands Center s newsletter, Marsh Matters, were written and published. Most subscribers are now receiving the newsletter by . Current issues are also linked to the website for public enjoyment. Both the Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center are on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest and receiving positive comments from the general public. T. Wetlands Staff attended the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST) in Dallas, where they presented a workshop on teaching the It s All Downstream from Here activity on watersheds and non-point source pollution. This is the first time that Wetlands/BNC were represented at CAST as workshop presenters. 46

47 U. Staff presented eight sessions on Using Wildlife in the Classroom for Lee College s STEM Day for future teachers. V. Staff attended the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Becoming an Outdoor Woman Conferences in Palacios, Texas, where they taught Secrets of the Gulf and Coastal Creations workshops. These workshops are a great outreach opportunity for Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center. W. BNC Naturalist and Wetlands staff hosted scout workshops for Webelos, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cadets and Girl Scouts at the Wetlands Center. Scouts are also eligible for badges and advancements during Summer Science Camps. X. Construction continues on new exhibits in the Exhibit Hall highlighting wetlands products and global wetlands. Components of the wall will include aquariums introducing Texas wetland animals and insects, signage and displays highlighting wetlands products, sections on global wetlands, and a section about federal and global laws pertaining to wetlands and water. The signage has been created by a University of Houston Clear Lake student and should add needed education information to the Wetlands Center. Y. Jingle the Elf, based on the popular Elf on the Shelf series, returned as the Wetlands Center s mischievous mascot. Every day in December, Jingle was featured on the Wetlands Center s social media sites exploring the Wetlands Center and BNC. The end of the month was celebrated with a Pictures with Jingle day, where the public was invited to take pictures with Jingle. Z. San Antonio s popular show, Road Trippin, filmed segments at both the Wetlands Center and the Baytown Nature Center as part of the Discover Baytown segment. Beyond Houston also visited the Wetlands Center with the City s tourism manager. Exposure from segments like these is invaluable in promoting both venues to out-of-town visitors. 47

48 Baytown Nature Center A. Tyke Hike, Baytown Nature Center s (BNC) preschool program and part of ExxonMobil s Discovering Nature s Secrets program, continued during the spring and fall. Weekly sessions include hands-on nature activities introducing reptiles, insects, spiders, fish, and many other nature-based topics. Parents/grandparents attend with their children. Average attendance is 20 kids per week. During one Tyke Hike session, kids planted trees at the Children s Nature Discovery Area. The project was funded by Calpine Energy through the Friends of the Baytown Nature Center. B. The Naturalist and BNC staff continue to host educational field trips for scout groups, bird watching clubs, seniors groups, church groups, universities (College of the Mainland, Lee College, Lamar University, Texas A&M University at Galveston), schools (both Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (GCCISD) and other districts), and tourists to promote the environmental wealth of the Nature Center. BNC staff also spoke in the community, with talks at ExxonMobil, Kiwanis, Rotary and other local groups. C. Nurture Nature Series continues at BNC on the first Saturday of each month. Topics this year included Paddleboarding, Kayaking, Family Camping, Winterizing for Wildlife, Wilderness Survival, Biking, Birding, Geocaching, and Angler Education. Guest speakers and Baytown Nature Center (BNC)/Wetlands Center staff present the topics. D. The Full Moon Hike program continues as a successful monthly event. An average of 25 people are attending and walking the trails to see what BNC has to offer after dark. So far, coyotes, raccoons, bats, snakes, fireflies, and opossums are the most common nocturnal creatures spotted. Screech owls trilling in the night are also crowd favorites! E. The BNC presented the 4 th year of Back to the Bay high school biology program. This program complements the Wetlands Ecology Program and the Liquid Science Program from the Wetlands Center. Select 9 th and 10 th grade biology students from GCCISD travel to the BNC to participate in water analysis, seining and cast netting for species identification, introduction to invasive and exotic species, and a historical perspective on human impact on the local environment. The program is funded by ExxonMobil through the school district. Several other area schools have also participated with the Back to the Bay Program, including Awty International School. 48

49 F. Scout interest in workshops and camping at BNC continues to increase. The BNC Naturalist host workshops for Webelos, Brownies, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Royal Rangers, and Daisy Groups. Several troops have camped overnight at BNC. G. The 4 th Annual Nurture Nature Festival was held the first Saturday in November. A cold, windy morning turned into a beautiful afternoon for the 2,000 visitors who attended. Stage presentations by Crocodile Encounter, The Big Buzz Theory, EarthQuest Birds of Prey, and Texas Snakes were a big hit. Three food vendors kept the visitors fed well, and the nature/environmental exhibitors enjoyed teaching the visitors ways to appreciate the outdoors. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) returned with their Angler Education trailer and Backyard Bass activity, and plans to send their Archery Education team next year. H. The new TPWD Birding Trail which runs from the existing Golden Bloom Trail to the Myra C. Brown Bird Sanctuary is complete. The mile-long trail will grant access to areas of the Nature Center not previously accessible. The lake at the end of the trail now offers a wildlife observation deck overlooking Lake Myra. Interpretive signage and park benches have been installed to allow visitors time to look for birds along the trail. 49

50 I. BNC hosted several community service groups, including ExxonMobil college co-op interns and Student Conservation Association. Volunteers clean shoreline, clear brush and trees from trails, spread granite on trails, weed the butterfly garden and other beds, and do minor construction and repairs. J. The BNC Volunteer Guild continues to become more active. Volunteers tend the beehives, work in the butterfly garden, lead birding tours, assist with the education programs, and participate in outreach activities. Several volunteers are Texas Master Naturalists, and are promoting BNC as a site for earning service hours. K. Monthly bird counts continue on the third Thursday of every month at BNC. These are led by volunteer and wildlife photographer, David Hanson. Results from the bird counts are published on TexBirds website and Houston Audubon s website, with pictures taken by the Hansons. This is great exposure for BNC in the local birding community. Sightings of rare birds (i.e. brown boobies) guarantee an increase in attendance at BNC. L. Plans are underway for a kayak launch and a designation by TPWD as an official Texas Paddling Trail. Southwest PaddleSports partnered with the BNC for a full moon kayak paddle, hosting twenty-one participants who paddled the calm night waters of Burnet Bay. The number of visitors kayaking continues to increase so easy access to the local bays will be very beneficial. M. The Raven Chapter of the Order of the Arrow district again chose the Baytown Nature Center as the site of their Ordeal. The 80 Arrow candidates spent a Friday night at BNC, then worked in silence all day on Saturday cleaning trails and shorelines. Projects included trail clearing of the Myra C. Brown Birding Trail, shoreline cleanup, and setting interpretive signage and benches on trails. N. ExxonMobil s Engineering Services Group chose the Baytown Nature Center as their project site during United Way s Day of Caring. With the help of Parks crews, volunteers built picnic tables on the Myra C. Brown Birding Trailhead, constructed a pier as Step 1 of a new kayak launch, installed recycled graveyard in Children s Nature Discovery Area, and did some general repairs to fencing, decks, and Tracey s Theater. Several of the Friends of BNC also helped out. 50

51 O. BNC continues to attract Eagle Scout candidates. Current or completed projects include creating bird blinds from old port-o-potty structures, completing the overlook on the Myra C. Brown Birding Trail, installing benches and trash cans on Butterfly Garden trail, installing benches on Chickadee Trail, repairing wildlife overlook on Golden Bloom Pond Trail, and building and installing a chimney swift tower on the Myra C. Brown Birding Trail. P. The Baytown Nature Center was chosen as the site for an 11-acre mitigation project for GB Biosciences. Crouch Environmental contracted the project, which is nearly complete. Three sites were landscaped to remove existing scrub vegetation and replace it with high quality marsh grasses. A berm was created to protect site one, and has already become a popular fishing area. Marsh grass plugs have been planted and will continue to grow throughout the hot summer, filling in the new wetlands that are already proving to attract birds and small fish. Q. Attendance at the Baytown Nature Center continued to increase during the past few years and is projected to cover all expenses in the operations budget for the sixth year in a row. A slight rate increase will be implemented for the first time in the BNC s 13 year history in mid Baytown Nature Center New Fee Schedule Description Current Fee New Fee Daily Permits (13 years and over) $3 $4 Daily Permit for Children (5-12) Free $1 Daily Permit for Seniors (65+) $3 $1 Annual Individual Passes $20 $30 Annual Family Passes (up to 6) $50 $65 Five Year Comparison of Annual Attendance and Revenue April 1, 2010 March 31, 2015 April 1, 2010 March 31, 2011 April 1, 2011 March 31, 2012 April 1, 2012 March 31, 2013 April 1, 2013 March 31, 2014 Day Permits Sold 24,307 21,867 22,055 24,556 26,599 Revenue $72,921 $65,628 $66,165 $73,668 $79,797 Annual Individual Passes Sold Revenue $6,860 $6,180 $6,040 $6,240 $6,100 Annual Family Passes Sold Revenue $6,350 $7,400 $7,600 $7,550 $7,650 Total Annual Revenue $86,131 $79,208 $79,805 $87,458 $93,547 April 1, 2014 March 31,

52 2016 Recommendations 1. Continue to incorporate the recommendations of the Playbook 2020, The Strategic Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the City of Baytown, Texas. 2. Continue to demonstrate sensitivity to the community s needs through the involvement of citizens in the planning and development of facilities, programs and policies. 3. Continue support for Quality of Life initiatives, community appearance and economic development projects. 4. Continue to acquire CDBG funds for the development/renovation of target area parks. 5. Continue to provide adequate annual funding for quality maintenance and operation of the Department. 6. Enhance the promotional and marketing efforts for all special events and programs, as well as Pirates Bay, Calypso Cove and the Baytown Nature Center. 7. Expand athletic program offerings and partner with area facilities to broaden our participation base. 8. Continue to submit tournament bids for future, TAAF and USSSA softball and flag football tournaments on the regional, state and national level. 9. Continue to implement the recommendations of the Aquatic Facilities Master Plan, as well as the Pirates Bay Expansion Master Plan. 10. Work to secure future parkland that will correspond to the future growth of the City especially north of I-10 and east of Cedar Bayou. 11. Expand the recreation and educational programs offered to attract all age groups. 12. Continue to improve and expand the environmental, recreational and educational programs of the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education and Recreation Center and the Baytown Nature Center. 13. Continue to improve the City s image and tourism through the City s environmental and recreational opportunities, by hosting and promoting special events that increase the exposure of our facilities in an effort to attract visitors to Baytown. 14. Enhance the Parks and Recreation Department s section of the City s website, as well as improve the appearance and the interactive usability of the Pirates Bay, Calypso Cove and Baytown Nature Center sites. 15. Continue to expand the City s Sidewalk and Trail Master Plan to make Baytown a walkable community. 16. Continue progressive park planning and recreational programming by offering the newest activities and amenities throughout the city s parks. 52

53 Respectfully Submitted, Scott Johnson, Director Parks and Recreation Department Wayne Gray, Chairman Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Appendix: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Members Parks Division Staff Recreation and Administrative Staff Environmental Programs Staff Aquatics Staff Facility Rentals & Attendance Figures Activities Comparison - Budget Year 2010/2011 to 2014/ Final Aquatics Attendance Summary 2015 Aquatics Attendance Summary Redeveloped Evergreen Point Golf Course Layout Town Square Rendering Town Square Christmas Ice Rink Rendering Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Members (Left to Right) Kevin Jones, Howard Hunt, Chairman Wayne Gray, Carmen Torres, Agustin Loredo, and Billy Barnett Not pictured Michelle Bitterly 53

54 Parks Division Staff Recreation and Administrative Staff 54

55 Environmental Programs Staff Aquatics Staff 55

56 Facility City of Baytown Parks & Recreation Department Facility Rentals & Attendance Figures August 1, 2014 July 31, 2015 Number of Rentals Attendance Average Attendance Per Rental Community Center , Jenkins Pavilion , Roseland Pavilion , Wayne Gray Sports Complex 14 7, Bicentennial Park 2 90,000 45,000 Total Figures 1, , Activities Comparison Budget Year 2010/2011 to 2014/2015 Budget Year 2010/2011 Budget Year Budget Year Budget Year Budget Year Budget Year 2011/ / / / / *Softball Tournaments have been removed from special events and placed in their own category for 2012/

57 57

58 2015 Aquatics Attendance Summary May 2 July 31, 2015 Pirates Bay Water Park Calypso Cove Daily Attendance Summary Daily Attendance Daily Attendance Monday 17,210 1,781 Tuesday 11,869 1,314 Wednesday 13,875 1,398 Thursday 18,833 1,961 Friday 19,563 2,700 Saturday 26,088 3,165 Sunday 20,919 2,675 Total 128,357 14,994 Average Per Day 67 / 60 Days 1, Goal Per Day 1, Average Above/Below Goal Projected Attendance - 95 /88 Days 182,020 22,000 58

59 Redeveloped Evergreen Point Golf Course Layout 59

60 60

61 61