Master Plan - May 2011 - May 2021 - Parks, Recreation and Open Space - City of Elgin
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Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Master Plan
City of Elgin, Texas
Prepared by:
The City of Elgin
&
The Parks and Recreation
Advisory Board
May 2011 - May 2021
City Council (Spring 2011)
Mayor At-Large Marc Holm
Mayor Pro-Tem Keith Joesel (Ward 4)
Theresa Scott (Ward 1)
Theresa McShan (Ward 1)
Stacey Van Landingham (Ward 2)
Anthony Ramirez (Ward 2)
Ron Ramirez (Ward 3)
Chris Cannon (Ward 3)
Joey Miller (Ward 4)
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (Spring 2011)
Chair James Lewis
Vice-Chair Lynn Cottle
Patrick Dudley
Erin Flores
Alfred Hoerig
David Parvo
Rosemary Wentworth
Parks and Community Development Director
Amy Miller
Parks and Recreation Program Manager
Alicia Stoll
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................ II
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 1
Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 1
Developing a Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan ................................................................... 2
Implementation of Major Priorities and Recommendations ....................................................................... 3
NEEDS ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................... 4
City of Elgin, Texas .................................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1. “City of Elgin, Regional Area Map” ...................................................................................... 5
City of Elgin, Texas Demographic information ......................................................................................... 6
Table 1. “City of Elgin, Texas Demographic Information” ................................................................. 6
City of Elgin Festivals and Events......................................................................................................... 7-8
City of Elgin Parks and Recreational Facilities ........................................................................................ 9
Elgin Memorial Park .............................................................................................................................. 9
Morris Memorial Park ............................................................................................................................ 9
Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt ................................................................................................. 9
Thomas Memorial Park .........................................................................................................................10
Veterans’ Memorial Park.......................................................................................................................10
Goins Picnic Area ..................................................................................................................................10
Additional Recreational Facilities and Identified Providers ..................................................................11
Inventory ...................................................................................................................................................12
Table 2. “Elgin Parks Inventory”........................................................................................................12
Standards for Parks and Recreation ...........................................................................................................13
Park Facilities Standards .........................................................................................................................13
Table 3. “Park Facilities Standards” ....................................................................................................13
Standards for Parks, Recreation and Open Space by Acreage .................................................................14
Table 4. “Standards for Parks, Recreation and Open Space by Acreage” ...........................................14
Park Service Areas ..................................................................................................................................15
Figure 1. “City of Elgin, Texas Park Service Areas Map” ..................................................................15
Public Input for Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Elgin, Texas .........................................................16
Results .....................................................................................................................................................16
Demographics of Respondents ..............................................................................................................16
Figure 2. “Ethnicity of Questionnaire Respondents Compared to Census Data” ...............................16
Figure 3. “Age of Questionnaire Respondents”..................................................................................17
Figure 4. “Education of Questionnaire Respondents” ........................................................................17
Figure 5. “Amount of Time Lived in the Elgin Community” .............................................................17
Facility Usage ........................................................................................................................................18
Figure 6. “Usage of Elgin Parks” .......................................................................................................18
Figure 7. “Percentage of Respondents Indicating Specific Reasons for Low Usage” ........................18
Facility Improvements ...........................................................................................................................19
Table 5. “Mean Score of Importance for Facility Improvements” .....................................................19
Table 6. “Mean Score of Importance for Facility Improvements” .....................................................19
Programming .........................................................................................................................................20
Table 7. “Respondents Level of Importance for Programs” ...............................................................20
Major Improvements .............................................................................................................................21
Table 8. “Mean Score of Importance for Major Improvements..........................................................21
Table 9. “Distribution of Funds According to Major Improvement Options” ....................................21
Resources for Elgin Parks and Recreation .................................................................................................22
Mary Christian Burleson Property .........................................................................................................22
Morris Memorial Park Building (formerly the Fleming Hospital Building) .........................................22
Watersheds adjacent to Parks ................................................................................................................22
Austin Community College Elgin Campus ...........................................................................................22
City lots adjacent to Thomas Memorial Park ........................................................................................22
iii
Goins Picnic Area ..................................................................................................................................22
Additional City Landholdings ...............................................................................................................22
City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Specific Needs .............................................................23
Staff .......................................................................................................................................................23
Programming .........................................................................................................................................24
Alternative Transportation and Trails ....................................................................................................25
Vegetation Enhancement .......................................................................................................................25
Conservation and Environmental Considerations ..................................................................................25
Elgin Memorial Park .............................................................................................................................26
Goins Picnic Area ..................................................................................................................................26
Morris Memorial Park ...........................................................................................................................27
Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt ................................................................................................27
Thomas Memorial Park .........................................................................................................................27
Veterans’ Memorial Park.......................................................................................................................27
Security and Vandalism .........................................................................................................................28
PRIORITIZATION OF SPECIFIC NEEDS ............................................................................................29
Process of Determining Priorities ..............................................................................................................29
Table 10. “City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Priorities” ...........................29
City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Map ..........................................................30
Figure 8. “City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan Map” ...................................30
FUNDING, PARTNERS AND IMPLEMENTATION ............................................................................31
Funding ......................................................................................................................................................31
Bonds .........................................................................................................................................................31
Park Districts .............................................................................................................................................31
Park Land Dedication Ordinance ..............................................................................................................31
Hotel Motel Room Occupancy Tax (HMROT) .........................................................................................31
Green Space/Open Space Ordinance .........................................................................................................32
Planning and Zoning Regulations ..............................................................................................................32
Conservative District Zoning.....................................................................................................................32
User Fees ...................................................................................................................................................32
Donations and Fundraising ........................................................................................................................33
Friends of Elgin Parks 501 (c) (3) Organization........................................................................................33
Foundations ...............................................................................................................................................33
Facility and Landmark Naming Rights......................................................................................................33
Grants ........................................................................................................................................................34
Table 11. “Project Related Grant Funding Sources” ..............................................................................34
PROPOSED PARK SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS/ADDITIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION .........35
Community Park ........................................................................................................................................35
Skate Park ..................................................................................................................................................36
Playgrounds ...............................................................................................................................................36
Covered Pavilions/Picnic Areas ................................................................................................................37
Veterans’ Memorial Park and Adjacent Lots ............................................................................................37
Splash Pad and Water Features..................................................................................................................37
Sports Complex .........................................................................................................................................37
Mini-parks and Neighborhood Parks .........................................................................................................38
Community Gardens ..................................................................................................................................38
Indoor Recreation Facility .........................................................................................................................39
Arts Center/Children’s Museum ................................................................................................................39
Active Indoor Recreation Facility .............................................................................................................40
Train Car....................................................................................................................................................40
Heritage/Cultural Center............................................................................................................................40
Programmer ...............................................................................................................................................41
Electrical Improvements ............................................................................................................................41
iv
New Restrooms and Improvements ...........................................................................................................42
Park Beautification ....................................................................................................................................42
Additional Staff and Staff Training ...........................................................................................................42
Park Access and Entry Points ....................................................................................................................42
Morris Memorial Park Pond ......................................................................................................................43
Morris Memorial Park Pool Improvements ...............................................................................................43
THE BENEFITS OF PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE ....................................................44
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE IN ELGIN’S FUTURE .................................................44
APPENDIX A: REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 45-46
APPENDIX B: PARTNERS AND BUSINESS REFERENCES........................................................ 47-54
APPENDIX C: PUBLIC INPUT DOCUMENTATION .............................................................................
APPENDIX D: ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN ....................
v
Executive Summary
With community input, the City of Elgin and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
developed the 2011-2021 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (the plan) as a
guideline for action on parks, recreation and open space development. In addition, this
document is intended to be a catalyst for future dialogue and added participation in the
parks system.
The first Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (2000-2010) provided a
wonderful foundation for our efforts. It accomplished many things, such as upgrading
the pre-existing parks and recreational facilities within the city as well as creating
Thomas Memorial Park, and it was also a resource for several successful fundraising and
grant seeking efforts. In following the trend of other cities, the 2011-2021 plan is a new
ten year update to the previous plan. It highlights the great park system in the City of
Elgin while outlining priorities for further development and programming based on
public input, national standards, current resources in Elgin, and projections for future
growth in the area.
Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: For the members of the greater Elgin area to be able to enjoy Elgin as a place for
parks, open spaces, beautiful scenery, festivals, recreation and trails.
Objective 1: Provide alternative transportation linking parks and recreational areas in the
form of recreational trails, on-street bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and
natural area walkways.
Objective 2: Provide opportunities to enjoy open space through the creation,
maintenance and protection of natural areas, parks and greenways.
Goal 2: For the community to experience a higher quality of life, economic
enhancement, and a healthy lifestyle through opportunities provided by parks and
recreation.
Objective 1: Provide opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment through the
planning, implementation and continuation of annual festivals and events.
1
Objective 2: Incorporate parks, recreation and open space programming and
development in the economic enhancement of Elgin.
Objective 3: Provide safe, clean and accessible park and recreational facilities promoting
healthy lifestyle choices for people in the community.
Developing a Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
The first Parks and Recreation Open Space Master Plan was adopted in 2000 and updated
in 2003-2004. In spring 2004, the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD)
completed a parks and recreation survey. Using the results of that survey, the PARD
Director, the parks and recreation board, and planning staff from the Lower Colorado
River Authority (LCRA) worked closely in order to craft the master plan components
following the outline of this report. The master plan draft was prepared and presented to
the residents of Elgin in a public meeting. All comments were recorded, and the parks
and recreation board, staff and LCRA revised the concepts of the plan based on that
public input. The resulting document was reviewed by the parks and recreation board in
October 2005 and then presented to the Elgin City Council in late 2005/early 2006. The
updated plan was adopted in January 2006 and was later included as a primary
component of the Elgin Comprehensive Plan. The plan was amended twice: once in
2004 to include information about indoor recreation center options for the community,
and again in 2006 to reflect the increasing community priority placed on soccer and skate
park amenities.
In 2010-2011 the plan was revised through a process of public input, meetings with the
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and a survey of the community’s parks and
recreational needs. The board then reviewed the public input along with updated
inventory and standards information. Utilizing this information along with current
resources available to the community, the board recommended changes to the plan and its
priorities to the City Council. The updated version of the plan was adopted in order to
reflect the changes in inventory and standards since the plan’s original implementation,
as well as to address new and continuing priorities for the future in Elgin.
Previously crafted city planning and design documents were referenced prior to
beginning concept development. Sections of these plans will be referenced for use in this
planning document. These documents include:
• Elgin Recreation and Open Space Plan (1998)
• Envision Elgin Community Development Strategy (2004-2010)
• Shenandoah Park Master Plan
• Thomas Memorial Park Master Plan
• City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan (2000-2010)
• City of Elgin Comprehensive Plan
2
Implementation of Major Priorities and Recommendations
Priorities for improving and developing parks and recreation over the next ten years were
determined by public input and throughout the overall master plan process. The
recommendations summarized here are also located, in detail, under the priorities and the
implementation sections of the plan.
Briefly, connectivity and access via an alternative transportation and trails system was
identified as a major need throughout the park system. In order to meet a larger list of
programming needs, the Morris Memorial Park Building asset is currently being adapted
into a community center. After analyzing population demographics and current park
service areas, acquiring the Mary Christian Burleson property and developing it into a
community park will help serve an area without park access. A skate park would be a
great addition that allows for art expression, music, activity and social gathering as well
as fulfilling a missing park feature in Elgin. Other expressed community desires that can
be reasonably achieved in the upcoming years include an arts center, children’s activity
center and/or playgrounds that are creative and unique, additional covered pavilions and
picnic areas, an Elgin train car, and a heritage/cultural center.
Two large cost-intensive needs are an outdoor sports complex and indoor active
recreation center. These two items could support significant changes in activity in Elgin.
Additional improvements may include the creation of mini-parks, neighborhood parks,
flower gardens, replacing the aging trees in the parks system, additional vegetation in the
parks, community gardens, indoor play areas, additional programming and maintenance
staff, and various maintenance considerations.
3
Needs Assessment
City of Elgin, Texas
The City of Elgin owes its existence to a major flood of the Colorado River in 1869. The
resulting damage quickly persuaded the Houston and Texas Central Railroad to re-survey
a line through Manor to Austin. The original line had been from McDade, southwest to
the Colorado River between Bastrop and Webberville.
Incorporated on May 13, 1872, the city was named for Robert Morris Elgin, the Railroad
Land Commissioner at that time. In the early 1870s, a new North-South rail line was
organized and laid through the city intersecting the West to East rail line. Elgin became
the beneficiary of two major rail lines complete with eight passenger trains arriving daily.
Elgin experienced growth and prosperity at the turn of the century. A bumper crop of
cotton in 1900 helped to establish five cotton gins and a cotton oil mill, all of which were
in operation at the same time. Three brick manufacturing companies opened in the area
and gave Elgin the title, “The Brick Capital of the Southwest.” Growth continued
through the 1920s, when most of Elgin’s brick commercial buildings were built.
Currently, Elgin’s population is a proud 8,135 and growing! We are famous for Elgin’s
“Hot Guts” (locally produced sausage), historic buildings, brick and friendly folks.
Today the historic downtown district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
and the community proudly claims the following titles:
Sausage Capital of Texas
Brick Capital of the Southwest
Texas Main Street City
Elgin is one of the few small cities in Texas with a Parks and Community Development
Department (department). Park and recreation activities of the department are guided by
the city council appointed Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (board). The City of
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Elgin, along with the board and various volunteers, provides a variety of recreation
programs for the greater Elgin community. The Friends of Elgin Parks, a 501(c) (3) non-
profit organization, works with city staff and the board to further enhance our parks,
recreation and open space in Elgin.
Elgin is traditionally a farming, agriculture and
entrepreneurial community with hard working, generous
citizens who make it a great place to live. Elgin is
recognized as the sausage capital of Texas. It has been
producing sausage since 1882 and currently produces three
million pounds per year. Another historic industry that
continues to thrive is brick manufacturing. Three local
bricks plants produce approximately 267 million bricks per year. Elgin is therefore
recognized as the brick capital of the southwest. Elgin participates in the Texas Main
Street Program and is recognized as a National Main Street Community. Through this
targeted downtown development more than 11 million dollars has been reinvested in this
historic downtown community since 1990. The success of the downtown development
and parks development is a direct result of dedicated volunteers over time. The people
who make up Elgin have a great spirit of volunteerism as well as a huge capacity for fun!
They have a reputation for recognizing a need and implementing positive changes where
they live.
The City of Elgin is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and State Highway
95, 17 miles north of Bastrop and 19 miles east of Austin. Located in the northeastern
corner of Bastrop County, the City includes a portion of Travis County. Elgin is within a
five-county Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which was the fifth fastest growing
MSA in the country in the 2000 Census. Bastrop County had the second fastest growth
rate of the five counties at 51 percent (U.S. Census 2000).
Figure 1. “City of Elgin, Regional Area Map”
5Demographic Information
Table 1 provides demographic information for the City of Elgin, Texas. Elgin’s
population has increased by 43 percent since the year 2000, and the community has a
very diverse make-up of race, ethnicities, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Table 1. “City of Elgin, Texas Demographics”
Population 2000* 2010** % change
City of Elgin, Texas 5,700 8,135 42%
Ethnicity (one race) 2000* 2010** % change
Hispanic 2,635 3,715 40%
Black or African American 833 1,353 62%
Asian 30 38 26%
Other 12 40 233%
Two or more races 37 120 224%
Education Levels 2000 2009*** % change
High school graduates 530 5,282 71%
Bachelor’s degree 132 1,103 14%
Socioeconomic Figures 2000 2009*** % change
Median household income $38,750 $45,493 85%
Population below poverty line 904 1,929 17%
2009 unemployment 149 84 5%
Source: http:/www.census.gov
* Census 2000
**Census 2010
***2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
6City of Elgin, Texas Festivals and Events
Numerous events and festivals take place each year in Elgin. The Parks and Community
Development Department, along with other boards and volunteer groups, assists with
these events in a variety of ways including, funding, facilities, volunteers, coordinating
and planning. Below you will find a list of reoccurring events and festivals held in Elgin.
Chalk it Up Children Sidewalk Art Contest is local participation in a national program
promoting art in the community. This annual event is held at Veterans’ Memorial Park.
Community Easter Egg Hunt is held each year at Thomas Memorial Park on the
Saturday prior to Easter. It’s a day for different groups of all ages to hunt eggs, listen to
music, and eat great food. The Friends of Elgin Parks brings the Easter Bunny out and
picture proceeds go towards their fundraising for park events.
Elgin Volunteer Fire Department Cook-Off is a large barbeque cook-off held on the first
weekend of April. The Elgin Volunteer Fire Department hosts a battle of best cookers of
barbecue and beans in central Texas at the Elgin Memorial Park.
Elgin Western Days is a week-long celebration during the fourth week of June. It
provides a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, rodeo, live music, a parade
and outdoor sports. Events are held downtown, at the rodeo arena, and at Elgin Memorial
Park.
Fourth of July People’s Patriotic Parade is a diverse parade featuring pets and people
who push, pull and pedal down Main Street. The patrons of the parade enjoy
entertainment and concessions at Veterans’ Memorial Park along with a soap box derby
competition held by local cub scouts.
Halloween Trick or Treat Trail is an event where the city comes together to give the
youth a safe place to go trick or treating on Halloween. The trail is held in Veterans’
Memorial Park and Historic Downtown Elgin. Various organizations and businesses
donate candy and costume contest prizes.
Hogeye Festival is Elgin’s largest festival, carried out on the fourth Saturday of October
every year. A number of live bands perform on Main Street and in Veterans’ Memorial
Park. Hogeye is a music festival with arts, crafts and food vendors,
carnival, BBQ Pork Cook-off, Lone Star Car club car show, dart
contest, Cow Patty Bingo and the election of King Hog or Queen
Sowpreme.
Holiday by the Tracks is sponsored by the Main Street Board, along with two local tree
farms to celebrate the season with live music, and kid’s activities. Pictures with Santa are
sponsored by the Friends of Elgin Parks. There is also a live nativity, a lighted evening
parade and more in and around Veterans’ Memorial Park.
7Juneteenth Festival includes a street dance on Depot Street on Friday night. On
Saturday a parade from Booker T. Washington Elementary school, along Martin Luther
King Boulevard through the downtown area, then vendors, games, music, presentations,
entertainment, and food booths. Every year it is held at Veterans’ Memorial Park in
Historic Downtown Elgin.
MLK Walk and Remembrance is a county-wide event held in Elgin every three years.
When held in Elgin, the walk starts at Veterans’ Park, continues through downtown to
Martin Luther King Boulevard. A program highlighting Dr. King is typically presented
at a church or school in the neighborhood.
Music and Movies in the Park features professional musicians from the Austin area and
family-oriented movies at no charge to the general public in Historic Downtown Elgin at
Veterans’ Memorial Park and at the Morris Memorial Park Pool. These summer events
are sponsored by the Friends of Elgin Parks.
River Valley Farmer’s Market (RVFM) is celebrating 26 years as a producer’s farmers’
market in Bastrop County. The market is recognized by the Texas Certified Farmers
Market program, and is held every Saturday in Veterans’ Memorial Park. The market
includes a variety of fresh produce, added value agriculture products, music, periodic
educational seminars and activities for children.
8City of Elgin, Parks and Recreational Facilities
The City of Elgin currently has five parks and one picnic area:
Elgin Memorial Park
Elgin Memorial Park is a community park consisting of 26 acres
with a population of cedar elms, natural pathways, two ball fields,
a small concession stand, restrooms, two sand volleyball courts,
three tennis courts, horse shoe pits, one playground, covered and
uncovered picnic tables, barbecue grills, and scattered park
benches. There is also a covered Pavilion popular for parties and
events. The playground was made possible by a grant from the Lower Colorado River
Authority, and other recreational features were provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department.
Morris Memorial Park
Morris Memorial Park is a neighborhood park, completed in
1996 using a $450,000 Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife
grant and community fund-raising efforts.
Morris Memorial Park covers 14 acres and
includes the former Fleming Hospital (now
Morris Park Building). Morris Memorial
holds a pool, restrooms, a playground, several picnic tables, benches
and barbeque stands. In addition, there is a fishing pond with
several types of wildlife, and a beautiful circuit-walking trail winding through the park
scenery. The city has designated funds and employed an architect to design an adaptive
reuse of the Morris Park Building as a community center and passive indoor recreation
space.
Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt
Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt is a 40+ acre addition to
the park system acquired through the City’s park land dedication
ordinance. Shenandoah is mostly open grassland on the eastern
side, with Elm Creek bisecting the tract with its natural woodland
banks. A 30-foot drainage easement also crosses the property
and flows into Elm Creek from an adjacent subdivision. The park
includes a series of soccer fields, picnic tables and benches. The
Elgin Youth Soccer Association utilizes the soccer fields for practices and games. This
beautiful area is great for nature walking, biking, hiking and running. Future trail
development in the area near the creek will connect Shenandoah with local schools,
subdivisions and the planned Austin Community College Elgin campus.
9Thomas Memorial Park
Thomas Memorial Park is a 17 acre park currently serving the
northeastern part of the city located at Madison and Hall streets
near Booker T. Washington Elementary. Two additional City lots
were purchased near the park, and used to build additional parking
and an entry road to the park. In spring 2005 the City broke ground
on a redevelopment project for Thomas Memorial Park. Elgin
received a $195,000 grant from LCRA, a $50,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department, and equivalent matching value from the City, which enabled Thomas
Memorial to be improved with the following renovations: a nine-hole disc golf course, an
additional picnic shelter, new playground equipment, expanded trails system, two
additional multi-use fields, an expanded parking lot, renovated bathrooms/concession
area, and additional picnic and barbeque areas. The park has helped to revitalize the
neighborhood and provides many recreational opportunities.
Veterans’ Memorial Park
Veterans’ Memorial Park was constructed in the 1930s to honor
World War I veterans. The oldest park in the city and the primary
focal point for many special events, it covers one city block across
Main Street from the Union Depot (1903), which was recently
restored and adapted into a visitor center and museum. There is a
beautiful gazebo in the middle of the park, which serves as a performance stage for local
festivals such as Hogeye and Holiday by the Tracks. The adjacent historic H&TC
Freight Depot (1872) is currently the home of the Greater Elgin Chamber of Commerce.
Veterans’ Memorial Park, and the surrounding land, are owned by Union Pacific.
Goins Picnic Area is located on Martin Luther King Blvd and Hwy 290. It has picnic
tables and trees for enjoyment.
10Additional Recreational Facilities and Identified Providers
The Elgin Little League Association, Elgin Community Youth Soccer Association, Elgin
Ballers Association, Elgin Youth Basketball Association and Elgin Independent School
District are the other primary providers of public recreation facilities and programs in
Elgin. The City of Elgin and the Elgin ISD have a unique and positive relationship to
allow joint use of recreation facilities owned by each organization. The school district
and the City collaborate in order to share their limited resources for the overall benefit of
the community. After its construction, the Austin Community College - Elgin Campus
will become an additional provider.
EISD facilities include:
1. Elgin Elementary School (North & South campuses)
2. Booker T. Washington Elementary School
3. Neidig Elementary School
4. Elgin Middle School
5. Elgin High School
6. Phoenix Learning Center
11Inventory
Table 2 “Elgin Parks Inventory” provides a current (2011) list of Elgin parks and
recreation-related amenities.
Table 2. “Elgin Parks Inventory”
Site Property Owner Facility # Condition
Veterans’ Memorial Park Union Pacific Railroad, Leased Gazebo 1 Good
(.5 acres) to City of Elgin Park benches 12 Fair
WWI cannon/memorial 1 Fair
Railroad depot/museum 1 Excellent
Elgin Memorial Park City of Elgin Open space Good
(16 acres) Tennis courts 3 Fair
Volleyball courts (sand) 1 Fair
Baseball field 1 Good
Softball field 1 Fair
Pavilion (multi-use) 1 Good
Group shelter 1 Fair
Rest rooms 2 Fair
Park benches 8 Fair/Good
Picnic areas 3 Good
Picnic tables 10 Fair/Good
Playscape 1 Good
Concession stand 1 Fair
Shenandoah Park City of Elgin Soccer fields (adult) 1 Good
(40 acres) Soccer fields (youth) 5 Good
Thomas Memorial Park City of Elgin Open space Fair
(12 acres) Practice fields 2 Excellent
Pavilion 2 Good/Excellent
Rest rooms 1 Fair
Playscape 1 Excellent
Softball field 1 Good
Basketball court 1 Good
Picnic areas 6 Good
Picnic tables 10 Excellent
Trail 1 Good
Frisbee golf course 1 Good
Xeriscape garden 1 Good
Concession Stand 1 Good
Morris Memorial Park City of Elgin Basketball courts 2 Good
(14 acres) Playscape 1 Good
Pool 1 Good
Pond 1 Fair
Restrooms 1 Good
Hike and bike trail 1 Good
Picnic areas 6 Excellent
Picnic tables 6 Excellent
Storage Shed 1 Fair
Morris adaptive reuse building 1 Poor
Elgin Little League Field Elgin Little League Association Little League fields 3 Good
Elgin ISD Schools * Elgin ISD Open space -
Playscapes 2.5 Good/Excellent
All Weather track 1 Good
Basketball courts 2 Good
Soccer field .5 Good
*
All school facilities are counted as one half, since their availability to the public is limited during school
use. Reference: Lancaster, Roger A., ed. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines.
Alexandria, Virginia: National Parks and Recreation Association, 1983.
12Standards for Parks and Recreation
Park Facilities Standards
Table 3 shows recommended standard for facilities, the existing facilities in Elgin in
2010, and the projected recommendations for facilities based on a 25% population
increase. The standards provided are based on the National Parks and Recreation
Association’s Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines as well as
other Texas cities’ standards.
Table 3. “Park Facilities Standards”
Recommended Recommended
Amount for Amount for
2010 2020
Recommended population of population of
Activity/Facility Standard Existing 8,138 Deficit 10,098
Amphitheater 1 per 50,000 0 0 0 0
Baseball fields (adult) * 1 per 15,000 3 1 0 1
Baseball fields (youth) * 1 per 7,000 2 2 0 2
Basketball courts – indoor* - 2 4 2 4
Basketball courts - outdoor 1 per 4,000 2 3 1 3
Bird watching/wildlife - 8 - 0 -
Football fields* 1 per 20,000 1 0 0 0
Disc golf - 1 - 0 -
Indoor swimming pool 1 per 50,000 0 0 0 0
Large event pavilion (200
person or larger) 1 per 20,000 2 0 0 0
Meeting room (public) * - 4 - - -
Multi-use indoor space - 0 - - -
Multi-use sport courts 1 per 10,000 0 1 1 1
1 sq. ft per
New recreation facility person 0 8,138 sq. ft. 8,138 sq. ft. 10,098 sq. ft.
Pavilions/Covered Picnic
Areas 1 per 4,000 3 3 0 3
1 area per
Playground areas 3,000 5 3 0 4
Public rest rooms - 4 - - -
Skatepark - 0 - - -
Soccer fields* 1 per 10,000 6.5 1 0 1
Softball fields * - 2 6 4
1 court per
Tennis courts * 2000 people 3 4 1 5
Trails(bike/walk/run)* 1 system .25 mile 1 system 1 system 1 system
* Facilities owned by entity other than City of Elgin count as .5
Reference: Lancaster, Roger A., ed. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines.
Alexandria, Virginia: National Parks and Recreation Association, 1983.
13Standards for Parks, Recreation and Open Space by Acreage
Table 4 represents the recommended amount of acreage for parks based on parks and
open space standards established by the National Parks and Recreation Association, and
the existing amount of park and open space acreage in the City of Elgin in 2010.
Regional parks outside Elgin’s city limits can be found using the Bastrop or Travis
counties regional park inventories in the regional park master plans. (See Appendix C.)
Table 4. “Standards for Parks, Recreation and Open Space by Acreage”
Elgin Park, Recreation Facility or Open Space Area Classification determined by acreage and amenities Acreage
in 2011
Elgin Memorial Park Community Park 26
County Line Subdivision Park Mini-park
Goins Picnic Area Mini-park
Morris Memorial Park Neighborhood Park 14
Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt Specialty Park and Greenway 40
Thomas Memorial Park Neighborhood Park 17
Veterans’ Memorial Park Mini-park
Westwind Subdivision Park Neighborhood Park
Natural Resource Area 0
Sports Complex 0
Park Trails, Connector Trails, Sidewalks, On- .25
Street Bikeways and linkages
Park Classification Recommended acreage for Current Deficit Recommended acreage
2010 population of 8,135 Acreage in acreage for 2020 population of
Elgin 2011 10,098
Community Park 2.96 /1,000 (24 acres) 26 acres 0 29 acres
Mini-Park .001/1,000 (8 acres) 2 acres 6 10 acres
Neighborhood park 1.92/1,000 (15 acres) 31 acres 0 19 acres
Natural Resource Area variable 40 acres - -
Sports Complex 1 complex per 10,000 1 1 complex
Park Trails, Connector Trails, 1 system 1 1 system
Sidewalks, On-Street Bikeways system
and linkages
Reference: Lancaster, Roger A., ed. Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines.
Alexandria, Virginia: National Parks and Recreation Association, 1983.
14Park Service Areas
Figure 1 shows the service radius of each park, recreational facility, and open space area
in Elgin. This tool is used in determining which areas are outside the recommended
distance of a park based on the National Parks and Recreation Association’s Standards
for parks and open spaces.
Figure 1. “City of Elgin, Texas Park Service Areas Map”
15Public Input for Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Elgin
Members of the Elgin community participated in a Parks, Recreation and Open Space
survey that was made available online and on paper in the city library and city hall. The
survey was publicized in the local newspaper, at public meetings, via flyers, on Facebook
and on the Parks and Recreation website. The entire survey and notes of public meetings
are provided in Appendix A.
Results
Demographics of Respondents
Figure 2 shows the ethnicity of the respondents in comparison with the 2010 census
ethnicity breakdown in Elgin.
Figure 2. “Ethnicity of Questionnaire Respondents Compared to Census Data”
Reference: Parks, Recreation and Open Space survey, 2011
Reference: Census 2010
16Figure 3. “Age of Questionnaire Respondents”
Figure 4. “Education of Questionnaire Respondents”
Figure 5. “Amount of Time Lived in the Elgin Community”
17Facility Usage
Figure 6 represents responses to the question: “How often does your family use (insert
park name)?” The chart shows a majority indicated most families do not use parks on a
daily or weekly basis. Large numbers associated with the response “occasionally” most
likely represents attendance at community-wide events or festivals held in parks. Of all
the parks, Thomas Memorial and Shenandoah are the most underused parks.
Figure 6. “Usage of Elgin Parks”
Figure 7 indicates reasons for low usage by park. Proximity was an issue for Thomas
Memorial and Shenandoah Parks. Other reasons for low usage were lack of restrooms,
lack of programming, safety concerns and that certain parks are too use-specific.
Figure 7. “Percentage of Respondents Indicating Specific Reasons for Low Usage”
18Facility Improvements
Table 5 and Table 6 represent results for the question: “Choose the level of importance
for the following facilities.” If combined, an indoor recreation facility active and/or
passive had the highest level of importance. Additional proposed facilities receiving the
most support were hiking, running and bicycle trails as well as covered picnic areas.
Table 5. “Mean Score of Importance for Facility Improvements”
Table 6. “Mean Score of Importance for Facility Improvements”
19Programming
Table 7 shows results to the question: “Choose the level of importance for for the
following programs.” The most significant programs according to the results are youth
programs, youth sports leagues, senior programs, community events/festivals and
swimming classes. Additional programs listed as somewhat important are water aerobics,
outdoor (hiking/rock climbing), art (classes/events), youth/adult nature education, and
adult sport leagues.
Table 7: “Respondents Level of Importance for Programs”
20Major Improvements
Table 8 represents the results to the question: “Choose the level of importance for
improvements for the following facilities.” The choices are current facilities owned by
the City related to parks and recreation. The majority responded the Morris Memorial
Park Building, Morris Memorial Pool and Veterans’ Memorial Park were the facilities
considered most important to improve.
Table 8. “Mean Score of Importance for Major Improvements”
Table 9 displays the percentages of dollar amounts allocated for specific improvements
indicated by respondents when presented with the question “if you had 100 dollars to
spend on parks, how would you spend it?” The highest amount of dollars were allocated
to trails and pathways. The second highest went to an indoor facility.
Table 9: “Distribution of funds according to major improvement options.”
21Resources for Elgin Parks and Recreation
The following are descriptions of opportunities available to the City of Elgin that may
enhance its parks, recreation and open spaces. These opportunities are defined as the
available natural resources that could be developed into possible parks or open spaces.
Mary Christian Burleson Property
The City is currently in negotiation to acquire this property and historic homestead
located on Louise Street near Lexington Road. Approximately 23 acres are available,
which would allow for park space as well as a working demonstration farm (which could
be operated through partnerships with Elgin ISD and Austin Community College).
Additional adjacent acreage could be acquired to increase overall size and access.
Morris Memorial Park Building (formerly the Fleming Hospital Building): The City is
currently planning for the adaptive re-use of the existing building, transforming it into a
community center. Its location in Morris Memorial Park provides connections to existing
park facilities and is contiguous to Elgin ISD property. Morris is a neighborhood park
centrally located near downtown Elgin. Many community members identify with this
building as it served as Elgin’s hospital from 1937 until its closure in the 1970s.
Watersheds adjacent to Parks: Areas around wet weather creeks and watersheds located
in Shenandoah Soccer Park and Greenbelt, Elgin Memorial Park, and Morris Memorial
Park can be developed into trails (and are included as such in the Master Trails Plan).
These watershed areas also can provide an opportunity to clear and transplant
undergrowth, which could assist in tree replacement in several parks.
Austin Community College - Elgin Campus: Located adjacent to Shenandoah Soccer
Park and Greenbelt, campus plans include a variety of outdoor interactive spaces and a
connection to the proposed trail in Shenandoah Park. The City should coordinate with
the building project in order to connect trails and pathways, and collaborate with faculty
and staff for programming opportunities.
City lots adjacent to Thomas Memorial Park: These lots should be developed for access,
parking, and pedestrian pathways. Their proximity to Booker T. Washington Elementary
School on Hall Street will increase school interaction with the park.
Goins Picnic Area: Located in the southeast portion of Elgin, on Martin Luther King
Boulevard next to Highway 290 (and near both Thomas Memorial Park and Booker T.
Washington Elementary), Goins serves as both a mini-park for the community and a rest
stop for area travelers. Its high profile location has the potential to be a gateway into
Elgin.
Additional City Landholdings: City lots that the City already owns or may be able to
acquire in the future can be developed as mini parks throughout the community,
increasing overall accessibility to the park system.
22City of Elgin Parks, Recreation and Open Space Specific Needs
The following overall needs for Elgin in terms of parks, recreation and open space were
generated from demand based public input, standards based park amenities and service
areas and resource based opportunities. In each of the following sections, the specific
needs will be described for each part of the park system.
Overall, the park system needs park specific improvements, additional recreational
amenities in current parks, additional parks to serve the growing population, indoor
recreation facilities, an alternative transportation and trails system, additional staff and
programs, as well as funding and partners to help accomplish these needs.
Staff
Elgin currently operates its parks through a Parks and Community Development Director
who oversees the Parks and Recreation Program Manager and an Administrative
Assistant. The Director and Program Manager take on tasks such as grant applications,
park reservations, parks programs, city-wide events, budget management, minor
equipment and maintenance, board meetings and communications, capital projects and
various other items. The Public Works Department is the main source for park
maintenance. The Public Works Director has a crew of eight who are responsible for the
city’s maintenance projects as a whole, in addition to parks maintenance. With five parks
and several other city properties, maintenance is a large task. With the addition of parks,
recreation amenities and programming, there will be a necessity to increase staff.
New and additional obligations for existing maintenance staff can be calculated based on
potential workload impact. What work will suffer if we expect our current staff to absorb
additional duties? How can we work smarter and still maintain a standard of excellence
with current staffing levels? According to the park maintenance standards and
recommendations from NRPA (see Appendix C), 118 staff hours are needed per acre per
year. The NRPA levels of maintenance shows the amount of work required to keep
Elgin’s various parks, recreation and open space areas up to this standard. The current
public works staff is eight people per approximately 120 acres of parks, recreation and
open space. The current staff also dedicates their time to public works. In comparison,
neighboring parks and recreation departments, such as the City of Hutto, have a parks
specific staff. The City of Hutto parks crew of four maintains 128.12 acres of parks land.
For the existing City of Elgin Parks system, 120 acres at 118 staff hours per acre, per
year, is 14,160 hours according to this standard. When conditions allow, the City of
Elgin needs additional maintenance staff to support existing park facilities and future
improvements.
23Programming
The City of Elgin Parks and Community Development Department currently offers city-
wide annual events in cooperation with volunteers, local businesses and organizations,
and other partners (for the full list see “City of Elgin, Texas Festivals and Events”). In
addition to these, the City provides Spring Break programs, summer programs, swim
lessons, water aerobics, and American Red Cross lifeguarding classes.
The needs assessment identified the following desired programming
additions: additional youth programs, adult classes, exercise classes,
nature learning, educational classes, league sports, outdoor
adventure activities (hikes, bike rides, trips), fitness and wellness
programs, arts and crafts, games, agricultural programming,
skateboarding, meetings, events, activities, programs, roller skating,
dances, outdoor education, agricultural activities, camps, farming,
disc golf, indoor basketball, tournaments, mentor programs,
tutoring, vocational skills courses (such as building/car
maintenance), martial arts, hands on/experimental activities, senior
programming, movies, bowling, board games, science, fossils,
exploring, geocaching, scavenger hunts, stars/astronomy, heritage,
and a farmer’s market.
In order to provide an increasing number and variety of programs to the community,
additional staff and resources is highly suggested. Options for addressing staff needs are
seasonal, temporary and contract positions.
A stronger, more robust volunteer recruitment and retention program could provide
support to a variety of programs. Contracted individuals could be utilized to provide
programs in the park system.
There are five great benefits to programming as stated by the NRPA (O'Sullivan, 1996):
generation of revenue and tourism, enhanced property value, crime and delinquency
reduction, increased health and happiness, and enhanced cultural and ethnic
understanding. For more on the benefits of programming, see Appendix C.
24Alternative Transportation and Trails
A reoccurring issue identified in the needs assessment was the lack of walking or biking
access to parks and recreation, as well as other points of interest such as the historical
downtown district, restaurants, and the Depot Museum. Several natural, cultural and
recreational destinations have been identified within the City of Elgin that will meet those
needs. The trails and on-street linkages created by the Elgin Alternative
Transportation and Trail Plan (see Appendix B) will connect residential
areas with retail areas, neighborhoods with schools, and homes with work.
These corridors will provide safe and pleasant environments for people to
commute either to work or public transit systems, and to enjoy the
outdoors. If planned properly, on-street linkages and trails will create a
connected community that has preserved valuable resources.
Vegetation Enhancement
In looking at major needs for the park system, the reoccurring
theme was landscaping improvements and turf maintenance.
Goals include tree planting, establishing flower gardens, planters
and signage, a maintenance plan for proper appearance and
upkeep, and training for maintenance staff. Training to consider
in the future could include field fertilizing and maintenance, tree
care, xeriscaping, native plants, drainage and other appropriate areas of instruction. In
order to accomplish these goals, a maintenance, irrigation, landscape, vegetation and turf
management plan will need to be put in place. This plan should be created and added as
an appendix of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan.
Conservation and Environmental Considerations
Elgin, along with many partners in the community, is working to conserve natural areas
and promote environmental stewardship by reducing materials used in programming,
reusing materials when possible, and recycling at parks and department sponsored events.
Along with county partners, the City will encourage beautification, conservation and
environmental preservation efforts. In addition to maintenance and vegetation
enhancement, there will be a growing presence in recycling in the parks and at
community events. In parks and recreation planning and implementation, the board and
city staff can take proactive approaches in conservation.
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