The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board presented design ideas for Paseo Park to Bellaire City Council during its Monday night meeting.
The Parks and Recreation board has been working with Clark Condon Associates, Inc., Landscape Architects on a preliminary design plan for Paseo Park. Council did not take any action on the proposed design plan because the city does not have any money to fund the project.
The design plan that was presented to council would enhance the Bellaire streetscape and bring focus to the trolley car in Paseo Park.
The design plan would “finally highlight the trolley as a symbol for the city,” Parks and Recreation Chair Leslie Little said.
Sheila Condon of Clark Condon Associates said the Parks Board has discussed several ideas for the park. One of the biggest questions they had was whether or not to move the trolley. Condon said the plan they came up with would work where the trolley is currently.
The Parks Board and the Bellaire Historical Society formed a subcommittee to learn more about the trolley.
The Park Board recommends that the trolley be covered to protect it from the elements and have ornamental fencing around it.
Another aspect of the plan is to bring the walking paths in, away from traffic, to create a better sense of community, Condon said.
Council discussed whether or not they should approve the Parks Board’s recommendation for the design plan since funding is not available.
“We could approve it as is … but to be honest we don’t have the money,” Mayor Cindy Siegel said.
Siegel said in reality another council would be looking at budgeting for the project.
“For whatever its worth, its information we found with our investigation,” Little said.
Councilmember Mandy Nathan said she liked the design plan and thought it is a good concept, but said the money probably wouldn’t be available for a couple of years.
“I think this was a valuable exercise,” Nathan said. “We obviously don’t have a lot of money to implement to parks right now.”
Councilmember Phil Nauert said he likes what the Parks Board has done and that the trolley needs to be conserved.
“It needs to be more visible and secure,” he said. “It’s our mother love.”
Councilmember Andrew Friedberg said he was hesitant to take any kind of action during last night’s meeting.
“I’m grateful for the work you guys put in,” he said. “I would express huge skepticism about trying to move the trolley one inch.”
Council voted to accept the master plan into the city’s record.
The next city council meeting will be held in the council chambers on July 19.
