Tyler City Council hears presentation on Lake Bellwood Master Plan
by Heather Newman -
June 24, 2009
At their meeting on June 24, the Tyler City Council reviewed the first draft of the
Lake Bellwood Master Plan.
“This is a tremendous step forward for the City,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “Developing a master plan that involves all the key stakeholders for this amazing community resource will ensure the natural beauty of the lake is preserved for future generations.”
On April 11 2007, Tyler urban planning firm Planning Concepts was retained to develop a long-range master plan for Bellwood Lake. Over the past 13 months, Planning Concepts has met with various stakeholder groups regarding the community’s vision for the property surrounding Bellwood Lake. Information gathered from these meetings, combined with the existing and future needs of Tyler Water Utilities, serve as the basis of the master plan.
“Some of the common themes expressed by the various stakeholders groups were a need for additional trails including trails connecting to Lindsey Park,” said Mark Priestner, Planning Concepts president. “Other key issues include improved access to the lake and recreational areas, and water and natural open space preservation.”
Lake Bellwood was formed in 1894, when the City of Tyler constructed an earthen dam across Indian Creek. The 185-acre lake served as a source of water for Tyler until 1950. Today, the dam is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a historic structure.
The City of Tyler Water Utilities Department currently maintains the Bellwood Lake property which is approximately 160 acres surrounding the lake. Historically, Bellwood Lake and the natural areas surrounding the lake have been underutilized given the proximity of the lake to Tyler’s City limits. Most of the City owned property has been left undisturbed and in natural state.
The proposed Lake Bellwood Master Plan focuses on highlighting the natural beauty of the area while preserving the natural resources that make this area so unique. Some of the recommendations in the proposed plan are:
- The construction of pavilions and a plaza;
- The construction of a playground and sprayground;
- Restricting boats on the lake to idling with no wake only and limiting the number of boats on the lake at one time;
- The creation of a network of trails connecting various points of interest;
- The construction of trail heads and restroom facilities;
- The Preservation of natural areas to enhance the environmental experience;
- Increased parking and access to the park;
- Improved signage;
- Preservation of wetland areas; and,
- Improved swimming and beach areas.
“Lake Bellwood is very important to the constituents in District 2, where it is located, as well as the entire community,” said Mayor Pro Tem Donald Sanders. “This plan will ensure it is preserved for our future.”
No official action was taken by the City Council; however this item will be up for a vote at their regular meeting on July 22, 2009. The 30-day window is to allow for public comment on the plan and to ensure all stakeholders have had the opportunity for input.
A copy of the plan will be made available on the City of Tyler website at www.cityoftyler.org and in the Water Utilities Administrative Offices at 511 W. Locust Street.
Bellwood Lake Rendering
Bellwood Lake Recreation Plan
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