5 things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings
By Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager
The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (3:30 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:
- Chimney Hill Economic Development Agreement: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider terminating a 2013 agreement for the redevelopment of the Chimney Hill Shopping Center property on University Drive. The property owner wants to modify the plans to reflect changes in the market and move toward a more traditional suburban commercial project.
- Playground Improvements: The council will consider a $340,000 contract for new playground structures at Brothers Pond, Lemontree and Bright parks, and rubber surfacing in the playground areas at Edelweiss Gartens and Woodland Hills parks.
- Affordable Housing: The consent agenda includes three items related to affordable housing projects: A $220,000 federal grant to Elder Aid, Inc., for the rehabilitation of two homes on Normand Drive; a $794,000 federal grant to B-CS Habitat for Humanity to build at least eight homes on Renee Lane, and a $471,500 federal grant to Twin City Mission to create four rental units on Blanco Drive.
- FM2818 Capacity Improvements: The council will consider a $397,000 contract for engineering and surveying services related to the capacity improvements on FM2818 from Wellborn Road to north of George Bush Drive.
- Pebble Creek Rezoning: In the regular meeting, the council will consider a request to rezone about 2.4 acres on Pebble Creek Parkway from Rural to Restricted Suburban and General Suburban. The chance would allow for the subdivision of the property.
Updates will help make playground visits safe, memorable
By Hallie Kutch, Marketing Staff Assistant
When nostalgia and childhood memories stir, what comes to mind?
For many of us, it’s sometimes a playground where we once spent countless hours climbing the equipment or running circles in an open field. Those playgrounds allowed our imaginations to take us anywhere.
The classic yellow slides and chain-link swings have been favored features in just about every park in the country. Playgrounds provide the ultimate place for children to explore, exercise and develop their creative and social skills. These memorable experiences are integral to developing young minds and bodies, so it’s vital for us to continue providing, safe, play-friendly spaces.
Improvements are on the way
The City of College Station values the benefits and importance of playgrounds. In September, the College Station City Council unanimously approved more than $600,000 for improvements and repairs to play areas in 15 city parks. Construction began in October and is expected to be finished by early 2017.
An essential element for a safe play space is the playground’s surface or foundation. Eco-friendly, durable rubber surfacing will be installed near swings and other play areas, and new play units, swing sets, and exercise equipment will be added. The changes and updates will enhance safety and help prevent injuries.
Here’s a list of the major updates:
- CASTLEGATE: Removal of pea gravel from swing area, installation of new rubber surfacing, the addition of swings and chains, and painting of existing swing set.
- CASTLEROCK: Removal of pea gravel from swing area, installation of new rubber surfacing, the addition of new swings and chains, and painting of existing swing set.
- EDELWEISS: New swings and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- GEORGIE K. FITCH: New play units and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- JACK & DOROTHY MILLER: New surfacing for the walking path.
- LINCOLN RECREATION CENTER: New swings and replacement of surfacing in swing area.
- LIONS: New play units and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- OAKS: New play unit and relocation of existing rubber surfacing.
- SANDSTONE: New fitness equipment.
- SOUTHERN OAKS: New swings and replacement of surfacing in swing area.
- STEEPLECHASE: New swing set and the addition of rubber surfacing.
- STEPHEN C. BEACHY CENTRAL: New play unit and addition of rubber surfacing.
- THOMAS: New fitness equipment
- UNIVERSITY: Removal of pea gravel in swing area, installation of a new swing set and rubber surfacing.
- WOODCREEK: New play unit and addition of rubber surfacing.
The City of College Station Parks and Recreation Department offers 34 parks featuring play units for your kids to explore, enjoy, and make fond childhood memories they’ll carry the rest of their lives.
We invite you to share your experiences in our parks on Twitter with the hashtag #CSTXparks.
About the Author
Hallie Kutch is in her second year as marketing staff assistant in the Parks & Recreation Department after graduating from Texas A&M in 2014 with a degree in sports management and a minor in tourism research management. She has previously worked with the Dallas Sidekicks professional soccer team and Texas Team Junior Golf. Originally from White Oak, Hallie also attended Kilgore College and was a member of the famed Kilgore Rangerettes dance team.
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