Passport to Texas

 

This is Passport to Texas

More than 70 years ago the Civilian Conservation Corps helped develop Mother Neff State Park near Waco. The corps built most of the public structures in the scenic, but active flood plain. The last severe flooding event in 2007 prompted improvements.

19— In 2009, the State Legislature granted money for us to actually start making some changes to the park and develop high quality recreation facilities that were in the upper areas of the park, so that the park could function regardless of the flooding conditions down below.

Joelynn Barclay, Master Planner in the Infrastructure Division at Parks and Wildlife, said flooding can keep areas of the park under water weeks and months. With a dedicated team, a new master plan for the site took shape and work began. Project Manager Maureen Barcinski.

22— There’s a lot of nuances designing for parks. Because we’re trying to integrate things with nature and work structures into the natural environment, and not destroy the natural environment, we have to be very, very cognizant of when we’re allowed to build and when we’re not allowed to build. And so, that adds to the opportunities for excellence as you work through those kinds of things.

Tomorrow: Being flexible for nature and man.

That’s our show… Funding provided in part by Ram Trucks. Guts. Glory. Ram

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti.