Results Of Survey, Steps In Pacific Park Improvement Plan Discussed
With work on the Grays Building progressing rapidly, focus is turning more toward the park grounds. The results of the community survey conducted earlier this month and next steps in the Pacific Park improvement plan were outlined during a special Zoom meeting Monday night.
Survey Results
William Spencer, the civil engineer and partner MHS Planning & Design LLC, who came up with the design concept to enhance park facilities based on information presented during a community charrette two years ago, reported receiving good feedback in the form of 113 responses to the online survey and mailouts sent to nearby residents regarding community preferences for playground equipment, as well as ages of those using the park most, and top concerns or perceived needs for the park.
Sulphur Springs Community Development Director Tory Niewiadomski reported the city staff delivered mailouts to approximately 150 residents within 500 feet of the park. An email to the survey link was also sent to some people known to have shown an interest in the project in an effort notify and give as many people as possible an opportunity to submit a survey of their preferences for the project.
“The good news is we received overwhelming support on a preferred playground design. We got clarity in the process,” he noted.
The survey gave a better idea of who will be using the park in the next 2-3 years, 5 years and so on. The community poll showed ages 2-5 years would be using the park the most (45.06 percent), with 22.13 percent to be ages 6-12 years, 14.5 percent ages 18-45 years, 9.16 percent ages 13-17 years, 5.34 percent ages 45-64 and 3.81 percent age 65 or older. The thing to keep in mind, Spencer noted, when determining park options is that youth will age up in the ensuing years into older age groups and would need park amenities suitable for them at that age, particularly playground equipment.
The conclusion to the community polling was 84.04 percent in support of the playground design selected for the park, the option focusing on one primary structure such as the Play Booster as opposed to several different smaller play stations with different elements spread out.
“It was widely accepted that they wanted to have a larger, much more active play structure than the other option,” Spencer said. “In that larger play structure, this is kind of our 5-12 play structure. It’s kind of more advanced, it’s a little bit higher, there’s a little bit higher risk involved that you’d be taking because the muscles in your body is developed a little bit more.”
A secondary 2-5-year-old play space was also requested by by 26 percent of people responding to the survey and flyers. Called the Weevos, the play area has different opportunities for sliding, climbing, and some steppers which children can either climb up or slide down it. Also requested for the playground area are the ever popular swings, the interactive Music Play, Chill Spinners and an inclusive wheelchair option. In fact, 12.92 percent requested music and sensory elements for child play areas.
| Additional Elements Requested | Percent |
|---|---|
| 2-5 Year-Olds Play Area | 26 % |
| Lawn/Table Games | 21.29 % |
| Exercise Stations | 19.97 % |
| Barbecue Grills | 15.12 % |
| Music/Sensory Elements | 12.92 % |
| Other | 4.70 % |
Additional elements requested by 21.29 percent of the people who commented on the surveys were for lawn tables and games, a table with a checkerboard top in concrete, while 19.97 percent requested exercise stations, 15.12 percent barbecue grills, and 4.7 percent other items.
“The good news is we have included everyone of these in the overall site plan for the park,” Spencer said.
Another portion of the park community members were asked to weigh-in is what should go inside the covered sports pavilion. A large response, 34 percent was for basketball. Another 31.86 percent requested picnic tables, not necessarily under the pavilion where games would be played but nearby shaded areas where gear can be stored or families can relax, people can see and be seen by others at the park. Volleyball was the next most requested item for the pavilion, with 16.87 percent of respondents requesting a volleyball court. Although 4.39 percent wanted a tennis court, 2.72 percent pickleball court and 10.16 percent wanted something else under the pavilion, Spencer said the focus at this time is on the top three requests.
Of the 50 people who provided additional comments and concerns, 17 mentioned the overall safety and upkeep of the park, 7 for it to be a family-friendly space that includes all ages, 6 mentioned the splash pad, 5 benches near the play area, 3 the softball field and 3 handicap and ADA accessibility.
Spencer said the safety issue will be addressed with higher level of lighting, good level upkeep, mowing regularly, making sure the grass is nice and clean, trash cans adequately spaced around the park.
The park is including the play structures for children ages 2-5, the primary play area and a zipline for ages 6-12, and the basketball court and an open play area for ages 13 and up. Benches will be incorporated around the play area so parents have a nice shaded place to sit while their children enjoy the play area, and some benches to connect with the pavilion.
The existing backstop for the softball field will be utilized, although the softball field in the current design would move, and if funding allows, be composed of new materials. Groups would still be able to have their annual fundraisers on the field.
The park redesign would make it ADA accessible so that any handi-cable visitors can get to the different elements in the park. A restroom is needed as well on the far end of the park, according to Spencer.
Parking is being expanded around the Grays Building and as many head-in parking space as possible are planned on the north side of the park along Martin Luther King Drive, including a couple of ADA parking spaces.
| Sports Pavilion Preferences | Percent |
|---|---|
| Basketball | 34.0 % |
| Picnic Tables | 31.86 % |
| Volleyball | 16.87 % |
| Other | 10.16 % |
| Tennis | 4.39 % |
| Pickleball | 2.72 % |
The biggest hurdle for the site plan has been the spray ground. Spencer said the original plan was to rework the spray ground, to maintain the existing plan and plumbing. However, the system is much older than originally thought.. It may require a bigger commitment than was originally anticipated to avoid risk of cracked pipes under a new foundation, which would require it to be ripped up and reset again.
The park would be designed to allow for some remote fitness stations in and around the park in the future, but fitness stations are not as high a priority as refreshing the spray ground. Fitness equipment could be added in the future, as funds allow. Niewiadomski said the city is looking into some additional funding sources and potential grant foundations two which the city might be eligible to apply to for help fund fitness equipment as well as an additional potential basketball court.
Project Timeline
Spencer reported that the park improvement project involves four stages: the conceptual planning phase; preliminary engineering and design phase, actual design phase, and construction. The community charrette in which the community gave MHS their ideas for improvements, which were then added to a park map, with the top ideas and concerns to come up with a basic concept for the park. The project is currently in phase two, with a preliminary design. MHS will move into the actual design phase, which they hope to have completed by the time the contract for the $750,000 matching Parks and Wildlife grant awarded to the city to help fund the project is signed.
| Elements The Community Would Like To See In Pacific Park |
|---|
| Playground |
| Large Pavilion With Sports Courts |
| Picnic Areas |
| Playground Renovations |
| Remodeled Pavilion |
| Multi-Use Paved Trail |
| Open Lawn Area |
| Native Plantings |
| Fitness Equipment |
| Amenities (Tables, Benches, etc.) |
| Basketball Court |
| Restroom Facility |
The City of Sulphur Springs was notified in August of 2020 that the city has been selected as a TWPD grant recipient. Those funding documents were expected in December, but as yet have not arrived. The latest information is that it has been delayed until at least April, Niewiadomski noted. Once that is in place for funding, MHS hopes to have the final design at that point so that the project so that construction can begin.
If all comes together as projected some grading work could begin during the summer, which will start to give the project a shape of what it will eventually look like.
“The city’s commitment to doing some of the work on their own is a huge value added to this. It will be so much more economical and efficient. Kudos to the city for stepping up and doing part of the work,” Spencer said.
An opening for the Grays Building is tentatively set for Juneteenth, which Niewiadomski said appears to be on track, although many factors could impact that date. So far, Spencer reported, construction for the building is where it was expected to be within the threshold for the project.
The construction including additions, renovations and enhancement to the park grounds would continue through 2021 and finish up in 2022. The exact date will depend on a number of factors, including disbursement of grant funding, weather, availability and cost of supplies and materials for identified improvements.
“We are excited and looking forward to summer, to getting this project moving forward,” Niewiadomski said.
Sulphur Springs High School to Hold Their Annual Plant Sale April 3rd
Wildcats Soccer Area Playoff Among Game Day Events on Tuesday
When the Wildcats Soccer Team pulled a bi-district upset over Whitehouse, 2-1 last Friday (March 26) in Whitehouse, Coach Alexi Upton’s Wildcats did something that a Wildcats’ soccer team had not done for 7 years. They won a bi-district game.
Back in 2014, the Andy Holt-coached Wildcats won a bi-district contest over Carrollton Newman Smith. Now the present day Wildcats have an Area contest with Red Oak Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hanby Stadium in Mesquite. If the Wildcats can get an Area win and advance to the Regional Quarterfinal, they will be the first Wildcats’ soccer team to do that in 8 years.
Coach Holt’s 2013 team won not only a bi-district match against Carrollton Creekview, they also won an Area contest against Frisco Liberty.
The current Wildcats have a season record of 16-10-1. Red Oak, the #3 seed from District 14-5A, defeated West Mesquite in bi-district, 4-3 on Friday. The Hawks are 15-3-6 for the season according to Max Preps.
The winner of Tuesday’s Wildcats and Hawks match will face the winner of a Longview and Joshua match, also being played Tuesday, in the Regional Quarterfinal round later this week. KSST Radio will bring you the Wildcats and Hawks live from Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium at 6 p.m. The game will feature streaming audio.
Both the Wildcats Baseball Team and Lady Cats Softball Team have byes on this game day Tuesday. Both teams return to district play Thursday at home as they play host to Hallsville.
Also on this Game Day Tuesday, the Wildcats Golf Team is playing on day two of their two-day District Golf Tournament at the Tempest Golf Course in Gladewater. Top teams and individuals can qualify for the regional golf tournament April 21-22 in Rockwall.
Gerald Prim Stadium will be the host site for a soccer doubleheader Tuesday evening. At 6 p.m., the North Lamar Pantherettes will be taking on Sabine. Then at 8 p.m., the Paris Wildcats boys team will play Henderson.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
HC Chamber of Commerce Report for March 31, 2021
Chamber Connection- March 31, 2021 by Lezley Brown
Please don’t forget that tomorrow is the day! You are invited to welcome our new President/CEO to the Chamber on Thursday, April 1 st from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Chamber is located at 110 Main Street in Sulphur Springs. Please make plans to stop by and welcome Butch Burney to the Chamber family. We look forward to seeing you!
The annual Chamber Golf tournament is getting close to full! If you are interested in playing, call the Chamber at (903) 885-6515 to reserve your spot. We still have morning tee times available. The tourney is set for Friday, April 9 th .
It’s going to be a great day!!
The Downtown Business Alliance is sponsoring a Spring Market on Main Street on Saturday, April 17 th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry is free. Enjoy spring items inside and out, clothing, crafts, décor, food, and gifts.
Ribbon Cuttings:
SAFE-T Crisis Center celebrated their 14 th Anniversary on Wednesday, March 24 in their new facility located at 1716 Posey Lane in Sulphur Springs.
Business Highlight:
The Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce is highlighting a member of the Chamber each week. Please join me in congratulating our Business of the Week for March 31 st , The Propane Company. You can read biographical stories at the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and Instagram page
Local Senior Joins Governor’s Century Club With 100-Year Honor
Hopkins County resident Frances Anderson turned 100 years old in 2021, and has received a Certificate of Award from Texas Governor Gregg Abbott. According to Karon Weatherman, Director of the Sulphur Springs Seniors Center, Frances and her daughter Sandra stopped by the Center to pick up her Certificate Of Award. Frances turned 100 during March.
Frances was originally from South Mayde, Texas near Sherman, born in March 1921. She spent most of her adult life in Denison with her husband James Lowell Anderson and their children Sandra, Jimmie and Richard. A beautician by trade, Frances also loved to play bridge and acquired the level of Life Master Bridge Player. About 6 years ago, Frances moved to Cumby to be near Sandra and family. When she is able, she attends Gafford Chapel United Methodist Church.
Facts about Centenarians
- Have survived more than one pandemic
- Witnessed changes in history, including widespread indoor plumbing and electricity, radio and television, and production of the automobile and airplane.
- Majority are female
- Many are World War II veterans.
- Number of centenarians is increasing
Lady Cats Softball Team Beats Winnsboro on One-Hitter by Crimson Bryant
Another circle appearance and another pitching gem for Lady Cats pitching ace Crimson Bryant as the Lady Cats defeated Winnsboro, 10-0 in five innings Monday evening (March 29) at Lady Cat Park.
Bryant got the win and went all five innings, threw 63 pitches and allowed no runs and one hit while striking out 12. Bryant was also a hitting star driving a long single off the base of the center field wall that scored 2 or her 4 RBI’s on the night.
Addison Caddell was 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run. Nylah Lindley was 1 for 4 with a double, an RBI, 2 runs scored with a stolen base. Grace Magnuson was 1 for 2 with 3 runs scored with a walk and a stolen base.
Addison DeSmet scored a run and had a walk and a stolen base. Kinley Friddle scored a run. Kinz Smallwood scored 2 runs. Anahi Velasquez walked 3 times.
After scoring an unearned run in the first, the Lady Cats added 3 runs each in the third, fourth and fifth innings. Only half of the Lady Cats 10 runs were earned as Winnsboro committed 8 errors. The Lady Cats had 5 hits.
The Lady Cats improve to 15-3 for the season. After a bye Tuesday, the Lady Cats return to district play Thursday against Hallsville at Lady Cat Park.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
CR 2310 Traffic Stop Nets Cocaine And THC Wax, 1 Felony Arrest
A defective license plate light was what got the car stopped on County Road 2310 just off of FM 1870 around 2:40 a.m. March 27, but the strong marijuana odor that greeted the deputy as he approached the car is what tipped him off to the likely presence of contraband. The presence of marijuana in plain view in the car resulted in a search, which also yielded cocaine, THC wax and one felony arrest, according to arrest reports.
After observing the marijuana Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney had the three occupants exit the Ford Fusion one at a time to be patted down. As Kaleb Andrew Mills exited the black car, the 19-year-old Sulphur Springs man reportedly handed two small glass jars containing what the deputy suspected to be THC wax. Chaney also retrieved an electric vaporizer which contained a glass vial which Mills claimed contained additional THC wax. While looking through Mills’ wallet for his driver’s license, Chaney reported seeing tucked behind the wallet pocket a baggy that contained a white powder-like substance the deputy believed to be cocaine. Chaney placed Mills into handcuffs and had him sit on the ground while he searched the car.
Chaney reported finding an open container and several small baggies containing suspected marijuana. HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis arrived with a field test kit, which produced a positive result for cocaine when the white substance was tested. Chaney then went back to talk to Mills about the substances found. When asked Mills admitted the white substance was cocaine. Mills was placed into patrol vehicle at 3:02 a.m. Saturday. The suspected cocaine and THC wax were seized as evidence. The two other occupants of the car were released with the vehicle and several citations.
Upon arrival at the jail, Mills was released to jail staff for processing. The THC wax weighed 1.4 grams, the THC oil inside the vial was less than 1 gram and the suspected cocaine weighed about 1 gram including packaging.
As a result, Mills was booked into Hopkins County jail for possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, possession of 1 gram or more but less than 4 grams of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance and possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance. He was released from Hopkins County jail later Saturday on $25,000 bonds: $10,000 bond on each of the 1-4 grams charges and a $5,000 bond on the less than 1 gram charge.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Major Show Steer Validation Orders for 2021 Due in June
The mission of the youth livestock validation program is to promote a positive youth development environment focused on ensuring rules for livestock exhibition are being followed under the supervision of County Extension Agents and Agricultural Science Teachers. This helps to foster integrity, virtues, and values of youth and families.
The purpose of validation is to encourage positive relationships with County Extension Agents, Agricultural Science Teachers and local stakeholders, create a level playing field for youth livestock projects, maximize youth experience and life skill development, and facilitate youth engagement with livestock projects.
Validation allows youth to build on life skills such as responsibility, respect, teamwork and communication.
By participating in the livestock project, youth exhibitors learn daily care, nutrition, reproduction, and production practices specific to livestock projects.
Every year, cattle projects (Heifers and Steers) intendent to participates in major shows in Texas most be validated at their home counties under a protocol and a validation committee. Steers are validated once a year.
If you or your youth members are interested in validating a heifer for State Fair of Texas or a Steer for any major show, please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office (if showing under 4-H) or your Agricultural Teacher (if showing under FFA) as soon as possible because validation materials most be ordered and paid in advance.
Steer and heifer validation most be completed in June 2021.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
HELP US HELP YOU!
In order for Hopkins County to qualify for the next level of FEMA funding – Category IA (Individual Assistance) for damages incurred during the Winter Weather Event of 2021, documentation of financial impact is required.
If you have sustained individual property and/or business damages, please use this link and complete the form. At least one photo is required to submit.
IT IS IMPORTANT to remember, you will not be eligible for personal or business financial assistance from FEMA funding until Hopkins County is moved to the next level.
Work On Grays Building Continues At Fast Pace
Zoom Meeting Scheduled This Evening To Discuss Pacific Park Survey Results, Next Steps In Park Improvement Project
Progress on the Grays Building in Pacific Park continues at a smart pace. Today, glazers install glass while masons erect brick veneers on the east end of the building. Inside the building workers tape and bed the sheetrock, according to Sulphur Springs City Manager Marc Maxwell.
A little over a week ago, a crew began affixing roofing to the steel frame. During February and into March framing and plumbing top-out were finished. Electrical rough-in was nearly complete, and HVAC was being installed March 2.
The building is part of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan adopted by the city in 2019. An emphasis of the plan was to design and develop a Pacific Park Site Specific Master Plan, created based on input from community members during a design charrette.
Voters in November 2019 approved a proposition allowing up to $200,000 of EDC sales and use tax funding to be used annually for up to 20 years by the city’s parks department to repay $3 million worth of bonds which will fund qualified 4B projects, including the new Grays Building and renovated playground and grounds in Pacific Park as well as a new Senior Citizens Center. In August 2020, the city was approved for a $750,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant for improvements to the grounds at Pacific Park.
With the new Grays Building progressing so well, the City of Sulphur Springs is concentrating focus more toward the redesign and upgrade of the actual park area. Community members were asked recently to complete an online survey on the City’s website to weigh in on finishing touches for the park area, including choice of a new playground, uses for a pavilion, additional desired amenities and any other feedback residents wish to relay. A Zoom meeting is scheduled at 5:30 this evening (March 29) to discuss the results and presentation on the next steps moving forward.
- PACIFIC PARK IMPROVEMENT MEETING
- Time: Mar 29, 2021 05:30 PM
- Join Zoom Meeting by clicking https://zoom.us/j/99239821778?pwd=V05lT3BLVVo2c3lPaVRuWWxYdFN4Zz09
- Password: 539768
Construction drawings for the new Senior Citizens Center were last reported by Maxwell as still being prepared by REES Associates. Tandem Consulting has been hired to oversee the construction of the activity center for adults ages 50 and older, as is the case with the Grays Building.
