San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter asked Parks Chief Carl White about budget priorities aligning with the 2020 Parks Master Plan. She asked that this effort be undertaken in a City Council strategic planning session on May 26, 2023. The Nature Center ranked in the Top 5 for Indoor Facilities Amenities.
Public Art ranked in the bottom three.
City staff requested no funding for Nature Center improvements for the period 2023-2029. On August 3rd the city issued a press release on the permanent closing of the Nature Center at 8:11 am.
City Council meet nineteen minutes after that press release hit the wires. Two young citizens gave public comment that morning opposing the closing. Not one staff or council member explained the situation that led to the closing and why closing was the only alternative.
They certainly did not reference the Master Plan and how closing the Nature Center fit into that strategic framework. The Mayor made a good suggestion and it would have helped the public understand why we lost the Nature Center.
Years ago a different set of consultants worked to develop city land near Mary Lee Park. Their conceptual plan had the Nature Center being relocated. Lake Nasworthy development returns as a priority with the completion of the new sewer line.
Should the Mayor ever get her parks meeting I don't expect city staff to talk about the closing of the Nature Center. It's not in their nature.
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