Fulshear staff detail Bessie's Creek Park concept, Corps permitting and grant plans

City parks staff reported that the city has obtained the deed for Bessie's Creek Park and presented early concept plans that include a trail loop with native wildflowers, a pier/boardwalk adjacent to Bessie's Creek, picnic and fitness areas, and potential fishing when water is present.

Kelly (parks staff) said the project is at an early stage and that federal permitting by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will determine what pier or shoreline work is allowed. As Kelly explained, staff "are in conversation with the corps and see what they'll allow" before finalizing pier designs and permits.

Funding: staff are preparing an application to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's nonurban outdoor parks grant. Kelly told the board that the grant would be a 50% reimbursement match and that staff will bring a resolution to city council on the 21st to authorize applying; staff said an award decision would likely be known in January if the city is selected.

Why it matters: the deed acquisition allows the city to move from planning to permitting and funding work, but final designs (particularly the pier) depend on Corps approval and grant funding.

What happens next: the city will pursue Corps conversations and the TPWD grant application; staff will return with permit status and grant application outcomes in subsequent meetings.