Shady Brook Trail is a 1.65-mile-long, 10 foot wide concrete trail that follows Indian Creek. The trail starts at Midway Road at Bluebonnet Trail and continues westward, terminating to the west of Kings Manor Lane. A trail section east of Midway has been closed since December 2024 due to unsafe conditions caused by undermining erosion. A preliminary feasibility study, Contract No. 2025-0219-X, was concluded earlier this year to investigate solutions to ongoing erosion that has undermined portions of the trail.
The professional services agreement for the Shady Brook Trail Renovation at Midway includes geotechnical investigation, topographic surveying, hydraulic analysis, and final design plans for approximately 340 linear feet of trail to be renovated based on the findings of the preliminary feasibility study. The design will include a pre-cast concrete boardwalk system to replace the trail east of Midway Road, clearing and improving portions of a tributary of Indian Creek, and reconstruction of retaining wall as necessary.
The Parks and Recreation Department recommends approval of an expenditure in the amount of $180,000 for landscape architect professional services from JBI Partners, Inc. for the Shady Brook Trail Renovation at Midway. JBI Partners, Inc. was deemed most qualified based on their statement of Qualifications submission for RFQ No. 2021-0380-XR. The agreement fee of $180,000 includes full construction design development, topographic survey, hydraulic analysis, Texas Accessibility Standards review, geotechnical investigation, bidding assistance, and construction support.
The benefit of this project includes design for a full renovation of a currently closed section of trail and adjacent trail sections that will be more resilient to future erosion. This design provides value to nearby residents and existing users of the Bluebonnet Trail and Shady Brook Trail. If this project is not approved this section of Shady Brook Trail will continue to be closed to public use and will eventually become completely undermined and collapse into the creek.