Along with
traffic studies the Task Force began work on a
pilot project of refurbishing the town's one
existing trail, the nature trail that connects
the central business district to the Blanco
State Park through the town's one park, Roland
and Viola Bindseil Park. The City of Blanco
cost-shared a topographical survey of the park
and trail with the Rivers,
Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA)
program.
Using this base data, RTCA engaged HDR
Engineering to complete a redesign of the park
topography to address flooding issues and
restore Town Creek to a more natural
configuration. Building on this hydrologic
design, RTCA redesigned the nature trail to
address the needs of physically challenged
citizens. RTCA then engaged Ford, Powell, Carson
Architects to complete a conceptual design for
the entire park, combining the trail redesign
with other amenities supporting this plan's
goals and objectives.
The entire
planning and design process was facilitated by
RTCA, and was based upon the work of private
citizens through Wheels & Feet. Over 20
meetings, all open to the public and fully
advertised in the local newspaper of record,
were held to receive public input. This was
supplemented by a series of progress reports
during open session of the City Council.
Throughout, RTCA provided detailed technical
assistance, including Geographic Information
System, satellite imagery, interface with public
and private design and planning agencies, and
design and rendering support.
