Friedrich Wilderness Park - Developed Features

	ACCESS ENVIRONS NATURAL FEATURES
	CULTURAL-HISTORICAL DEVELOPED FEATURES
	PARK PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION-FINANCE

E. DEVELOPED FEATURES1. Accessibility

Accessibility conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act is in place from the Parking area to toilet rooms and lower trails. The Park has a trail system which includes the most extensive accommodation for disabled visitors of any park in the region, and the trails are marked for progressive levels of difficulty and accessibility.

2. Amphitheater, Stone House Ruin

A new amphitheater facility to be built on the new 7-acre parcel fronting Milsa Drive is currently in the SAPAR approval process. The amphitheater will provide outdoor space for group staging and education/outreach programs. Bid documents show the amphitheater situated between the existing toilet facility and an old stone house ruin.

The forest reclaims an old structure; a potential exhibit in the story of human settlement and the Balcones Canyonlands.

3. Barn, Paddock

Stalls in the north end of the existing service building formerly sheltered two horses. The paddock area between the building and the north property line of the Park is eroded down to bedrock.

4. Classroom, Office

The existing 30 by 50 foot service building houses stalls on the north end and a breezeway in the middle serving as a tractor barn and entrance to the office/classroom area. Storage rooms, toilet rooms and a tack room serving as an office are south of the breezeway; south of that a garage serves as classroom and office space. The classroom and offices lack adequate natural light and ventilation. A 25 by 70 foot concrete slab originally designed for a trailer house is situated across the driveway from the service building.

5. Entry, Roads, Parking

All visitor and staff traffic (auto, bus, bicycle and pedestrian) enters the parking lot from Milsa Road. The short entrance/exit drive is landscaped with a broad median and has identifying and informational signage.

Parking for two buses and about 80 cars (including two ADA accessible spaces) is provided in the main parking lot, and space for three or four vehicles is available at the service building. The main parking lot is paved with concrete blocks providing for ground cover and infiltration.

6. Fencing, Gates

Deteriorating fences of split rails and stone pillars flank the entrance along Milsa.

The Park perimeter is enclosed by a 7' chainlink fence with 4 strands of barbed wire on top. This fence is intended to limit unauthorized public access, although a couple of gates which are less discouraging barriers concentrate trespassers at sensitive areas. Also, there are places where intermittent creeks exit the site creating openings under the fence where animals (both domestic and native wildlife) can come and go.

In the interest of security, safety, and sanctuary, the Park grounds are intended to have only one formal access point. At present, this trail head point is controlled with a cumbersome rolling chainlink gate. Two other gates allow maintenance vehicles to access the Park along the North property line. One is adjacent to the service yard area.

Rustic barriers have been placed on the north leg of the Main Loop Trail to discourage visitors from leaving that trail and entering access road areas.

7. Hiking Trails

The trails accomodate the self-guided visitors and visitors participating in education programs. The trail system provides access to the wide variety of terrain, plant communities, and wildlife that exists in the Park. Access is by foot and wheelchair only. Except for maintenance, safety, and security, horses, bicycles or motor vehicles of any type are not permitted within the Park. Pets are not allowed.

Trail surfaces include concrete, asphalt, crushed limestone, compacted earth, and exposed limestone substrate. The trails are marked for progressive levels of difficulty and accessibility. Of the 5.43 miles of trail within the Park, approximately 1.25 miles are improved for people with disabilities. Park literature identifies and describes the trails and the areas they serve.

Sections of old eroded jeep roads not converted to hiking trails have been closed and are being revegetated.

Soil in cells of concrete blocks creates a permeable, vegetated parking lot.

fence
Stone pillars of Milsa fence tilt to and fro on inadequate footings.

8. Landscaping, Outdoor Exhibits

Plant species not native to the Park have been intentionally planted in and around the parking lot, the stables, and office area. The intent is to provide examples of drought tolerant native species which naturally occur on the soil types of the Park and would be appropriate for central Texas landscaping.

Several species of non-native plants not appropriate to the Hill Country (exotics) have become established in the Park on their own, threatening some of the native species.

Landscape projects currently underway include the wildscape exhibit designed to provide an example of a type of landscaping which supports a variety of local wildlife species. Native plants rescued by the Native Plant Society are also being planted to supplement the existing flora found in the area between the parking lot and Milsa Road.

A shaded picnic area is located at the southeast corner of the parking lot.

Wildscape exhibit and picnic tables are situated to keep development and ative recreation near the park entrance.

9. Park Zones

The Park is organized in three basic zones ranging from intense use in and around the parking area and extending to the area around the windmill (Zone I); moderate use served by trails extending west from the windmill to the area of the old stone wall (Zone II); and a restricted access research area from the rock wall to the western property line (Zone III).

10. Pond

A shallow artificial pond receiving surface runoff from a small watershed is located north of the parking area to serve as an aquatic component of the outdoor classroom. Water level in the pond varies; sometimes it is dry and sometimes it is supplemented with well water.

11. Real Estate

The first additions to FWP are imminent. Seven acres fronting Milsa Road, eleven acres on the north property line, and twenty-nine acres on the south property line will become part of the Park when transactions related to the amphitheater project funding are complete.

12. Safety, Security

SAPAR Park Rangers are in charge of Park security. Horse patrols have been discontinued. Park Rangers patrol the parking lot and walk trails periodically during the day, lock the gate at closing, and check after hours. A Citizens on Patrol volunteer effort is currently being organized.

A life safety program is in place involving the on-site Park Nature Preserve Coordinator, SAPAR Park Rangers, San Antonio Fire Department Rescue teams and Fort Hood Medivac teams stationed at Brook Army Medical Center.

First Aid supplies are available at the Park Office and at a remote strongbox located on the Main Loop Trail.

13. Service, Maintenance

SAPAR is responsible for Park service and maintenance. Resources include two full-time maintenance workers on site, other SAPAR maintenance crews when needed, and volunteer organizations which regularly contribute to specific projects.

BAMC rescue crew practices evacuation from Fern Del Trail area with Park Rangers and San Antonio Fire Department below.

14. Shelters

Four wooden shelters are located along the trail system, installed as resting spots and to provide refuge from sudden downpours. Summer use is often limited by presence of nesting wasps.
15. Sidewalks

Sidewalks (distinct from concrete surfaced trails) are located adjacent to the parking lot and around the toilet room structure. Their surfaces are brick or concrete (broom or pebble finish).

16. Signage

Existing trail signage is a mixture of routed wood signs in varying stages of wear. A gradual replacement of trail signs with wolmanized wood, again routed and painted, in galvanized metal frame/standards is occurring. New signs identify trails and also indicate levels of difficulty taking accessibility standards into account.

17. Site Lighting

New parking lot lighting has been installed which is shielded to avoid spillage upwards towards the sky, minimizing light pollution. Some low and below-grade landscape light fixtures remain which spill light upwards. The toilet building and barn/classroom/office building have minimal exterior lighting.

18. Toilet Building

Accessible toilet facilities are provided for men and women in a concrete block structure with stone veneer and metal roof. The facility is heated and can be secured after hours with a steel gate. A drinking fountain is provided just outside the structure. Concrete walks serve the facility.

19. Utilities

The Park is connected to City Public Service electrical service. Lines enter the site at the northwest corner of the Milsa frontage property and also at Milsa Drive due east of the toilet building. Distribution within the Park is by buried cable. Natural gas service is not available. LP gas is used for heating.

Municipal water and sewer service is not currently available or anticipated. Four wells provide all the water available in the Park. The windmill provides water for wildlife. One electric pump provides non-potable water while two others provide potable water.

Sewage treatment is by conventional septic systems. The leach-field for the classroom/office building is shown on old drawings to be near the northeast corner of the Milsa frontage area of the Park and may also serve the toilet building.
toilet
Toilet building massing and materials are "at home" in the Texas hill country.

E. DEVELOPED FEATURES1. Accessibility Accessibility conforming to the Americans with Disabilities Act is in place from the Parking area to toilet rooms and lower trails. The Park has a trail system which includes the most extensive accommodation for disabled visitors of any park in the region, and the trails are marked for progressive levels of difficulty and accessibility. 2. Amphitheater, Stone House Ruin A new amphitheater facility to be built on the new 7-acre parcel fronting Milsa Drive is currently in the SAPAR approval process. The amphitheater will provide outdoor space for group staging and education/outreach programs. Bid documents show the amphitheater situated between the existing toilet facility and an old stone house ruin.	The forest reclaims an old structure; a potential exhibit in the story of human settlement and the Balcones Canyonlands.
3. Barn, Paddock Stalls in the north end of the existing service building formerly sheltered two horses. The paddock area between the building and the north property line of the Park is eroded down to bedrock. 4. Classroom, Office The existing 30 by 50 foot service building houses stalls on the north end and a breezeway in the middle serving as a tractor barn and entrance to the office/classroom area. Storage rooms, toilet rooms and a tack room serving as an office are south of the breezeway; south of that a garage serves as classroom and office space. The classroom and offices lack adequate natural light and ventilation. A 25 by 70 foot concrete slab originally designed for a trailer house is situated across the driveway from the service building.
5. Entry, Roads, Parking All visitor and staff traffic (auto, bus, bicycle and pedestrian) enters the parking lot from Milsa Road. The short entrance/exit drive is landscaped with a broad median and has identifying and informational signage. Parking for two buses and about 80 cars (including two ADA accessible spaces) is provided in the main parking lot, and space for three or four vehicles is available at the service building. The main parking lot is paved with concrete blocks providing for ground cover and infiltration. 6. Fencing, Gates Deteriorating fences of split rails and stone pillars flank the entrance along Milsa. The Park perimeter is enclosed by a 7' chainlink fence with 4 strands of barbed wire on top. This fence is intended to limit unauthorized public access, although a couple of gates which are less discouraging barriers concentrate trespassers at sensitive areas. Also, there are places where intermittent creeks exit the site creating openings under the fence where animals (both domestic and native wildlife) can come and go. In the interest of security, safety, and sanctuary, the Park grounds are intended to have only one formal access point. At present, this trail head point is controlled with a cumbersome rolling chainlink gate. Two other gates allow maintenance vehicles to access the Park along the North property line. One is adjacent to the service yard area. Rustic barriers have been placed on the north leg of the Main Loop Trail to discourage visitors from leaving that trail and entering access road areas. 7. Hiking Trails The trails accomodate the self-guided visitors and visitors participating in education programs. The trail system provides access to the wide variety of terrain, plant communities, and wildlife that exists in the Park. Access is by foot and wheelchair only. Except for maintenance, safety, and security, horses, bicycles or motor vehicles of any type are not permitted within the Park. Pets are not allowed. Trail surfaces include concrete, asphalt, crushed limestone, compacted earth, and exposed limestone substrate. The trails are marked for progressive levels of difficulty and accessibility. Of the 5.43 miles of trail within the Park, approximately 1.25 miles are improved for people with disabilities. Park literature identifies and describes the trails and the areas they serve. Sections of old eroded jeep roads not converted to hiking trails have been closed and are being revegetated.	Soil in cells of concrete blocks creates a permeable, vegetated parking lot. Stone pillars of Milsa fence tilt to and fro on inadequate footings.
8. Landscaping, Outdoor Exhibits Plant species not native to the Park have been intentionally planted in and around the parking lot, the stables, and office area. The intent is to provide examples of drought tolerant native species which naturally occur on the soil types of the Park and would be appropriate for central Texas landscaping. Several species of non-native plants not appropriate to the Hill Country (exotics) have become established in the Park on their own, threatening some of the native species. Landscape projects currently underway include the wildscape exhibit designed to provide an example of a type of landscaping which supports a variety of local wildlife species. Native plants rescued by the Native Plant Society are also being planted to supplement the existing flora found in the area between the parking lot and Milsa Road. A shaded picnic area is located at the southeast corner of the parking lot.	Wildscape exhibit and picnic tables are situated to keep development and ative recreation near the park entrance.
9. Park Zones The Park is organized in three basic zones ranging from intense use in and around the parking area and extending to the area around the windmill (Zone I); moderate use served by trails extending west from the windmill to the area of the old stone wall (Zone II); and a restricted access research area from the rock wall to the western property line (Zone III). 10. Pond A shallow artificial pond receiving surface runoff from a small watershed is located north of the parking area to serve as an aquatic component of the outdoor classroom. Water level in the pond varies; sometimes it is dry and sometimes it is supplemented with well water. 11. Real Estate The first additions to FWP are imminent. Seven acres fronting Milsa Road, eleven acres on the north property line, and twenty-nine acres on the south property line will become part of the Park when transactions related to the amphitheater project funding are complete.
12. Safety, Security SAPAR Park Rangers are in charge of Park security. Horse patrols have been discontinued. Park Rangers patrol the parking lot and walk trails periodically during the day, lock the gate at closing, and check after hours. A Citizens on Patrol volunteer effort is currently being organized. A life safety program is in place involving the on-site Park Nature Preserve Coordinator, SAPAR Park Rangers, San Antonio Fire Department Rescue teams and Fort Hood Medivac teams stationed at Brook Army Medical Center. First Aid supplies are available at the Park Office and at a remote strongbox located on the Main Loop Trail. 13. Service, Maintenance SAPAR is responsible for Park service and maintenance. Resources include two full-time maintenance workers on site, other SAPAR maintenance crews when needed, and volunteer organizations which regularly contribute to specific projects.	BAMC rescue crew practices evacuation from Fern Del Trail area with Park Rangers and San Antonio Fire Department below.
14. Shelters Four wooden shelters are located along the trail system, installed as resting spots and to provide refuge from sudden downpours. Summer use is often limited by presence of nesting wasps. 15. Sidewalks Sidewalks (distinct from concrete surfaced trails) are located adjacent to the parking lot and around the toilet room structure. Their surfaces are brick or concrete (broom or pebble finish). 16. Signage Existing trail signage is a mixture of routed wood signs in varying stages of wear. A gradual replacement of trail signs with wolmanized wood, again routed and painted, in galvanized metal frame/standards is occurring. New signs identify trails and also indicate levels of difficulty taking accessibility standards into account. 17. Site Lighting New parking lot lighting has been installed which is shielded to avoid spillage upwards towards the sky, minimizing light pollution. Some low and below-grade landscape light fixtures remain which spill light upwards. The toilet building and barn/classroom/office building have minimal exterior lighting.
18. Toilet Building Accessible toilet facilities are provided for men and women in a concrete block structure with stone veneer and metal roof. The facility is heated and can be secured after hours with a steel gate. A drinking fountain is provided just outside the structure. Concrete walks serve the facility. 19. Utilities The Park is connected to City Public Service electrical service. Lines enter the site at the northwest corner of the Milsa frontage property and also at Milsa Drive due east of the toilet building. Distribution within the Park is by buried cable. Natural gas service is not available. LP gas is used for heating. Municipal water and sewer service is not currently available or anticipated. Four wells provide all the water available in the Park. The windmill provides water for wildlife. One electric pump provides non-potable water while two others provide potable water. Sewage treatment is by conventional septic systems. The leach-field for the classroom/office building is shown on old drawings to be near the northeast corner of the Milsa frontage area of the Park and may also serve the toilet building.	Toilet building massing and materials are "at home" in the Texas hill country.