Lewisville parks staff recommend GFF MSR to design LELA nature center; estimate $11–$13 million

Lewisville parks staff on Monday recommended GFF MSR as the preferred design partner for a proposed nature center at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LELA), presenting a concept centered on a “zero-depth” entrance, interpretive exhibits and flexible indoor-outdoor program space. Stacy Anaya, a parks department presenter, said the design work grows from the city's Green Center master strategy and a 2023 charrette that affirmed the need for a nature center to help people "understand what this asset is."

The recommended concept aims for roughly 20,000 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor programming, with about 14,000 square feet of conditioned interior space and flexible rooms for classrooms, events, retail and administration. Marcus, a parks staff member who oversaw the RFQ and selection process, told council the city received 15 submissions and chose GFF MSR after evaluating constructability, team dynamics and opinions of probable construction cost. "11 to $13,000,000 all in, including design cost, permitting, everything," he said when describing the city's current budget target.

Design priorities presented to council included a clear educational trailhead, immersive interpretive exhibits that tell LELA's ecosystem and settlement history, a nature-themed playground, a boardwalk approach that acts as an outdoor classroom and sustainability features such as rain-catch systems and bioswales. Staff emphasized accessibility goals, saying the project would exceed ADA standards and include van-accessible parking and shorter, direct emergency paths from parking to the building.

Staff noted several elements remain aspirational or contingent on additional funding: a lookout tower and some exhibit treatments were characterized as desirable but potentially outside the base budget. To preserve options, the city retained design ownership of finalist concepts so ideas from other teams can be incorporated into GFF's design.

Procurement and schedule details: staff said they are drafting an AIA contract with GFF and expect to return to council on April 2 with scope, schedule and cost. The likely delivery method is construction-manager-at-risk; staff said the project could break ground in late 2027 to early 2028 but cautioned that final timing depends on required approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for portions of the site. The recommended site is on Keeley, roughly across from a nearby wine shop and within a short walk of the adjacent neighborhood.

Funding plans presented include a mix of available cash, bonds, grant eligibility and fundraising with community partners such as Friends of LELA and the Lewisville Park Alliance. Staff said they aim for roughly 50% direct cost recovery on operating programs through rentals, fees and memberships while preserving access for the public.

Council members asked for more precise mapping of the Keeley site and for confirmation of the Corps review timeline; staff agreed to provide detailed site maps and to return with contract documents and a refined cost estimate at the next council meeting. The presentation included a range of borrowable design ideas from two other finalists (Gensler with Design Workshop; GSBS) that the city plans to incorporate where feasible.

The council did not take formal action during the presentation; staff said the formal contract and any needed council approvals will be presented at a later meeting.