Placemaking: Shanks Lake
Among the focal points of the study is Shanks Lake, near the heart of historic Clute, just off Main Street.
Today, the lake is largely hidden from public view, with little public access. Working with landowners, the planning team and citizen stakeholder committee developed a concept design that would make the lake a centerpiece of redevelopment, including a new public park.
As the plan progresses, next steps will include more collaboration with private landowners, detailed engineering and construction studies, and additional efforts to address traffic and safety for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Click below to view a video that animates how Shanks Lake might look.
The above animation shows Shanks Lake in the following phases:
0 years - As Shanks Lake is today, a privately owned lake with no public access in the center of Clute.
0-3 years - This first phase will look at creating more quality housing.
1-4 years - This next phase will create public open space on the north side of Shanks Lake connecting the public to Shanks Lake.
5-10 years - This phase includes additional development of open space, with opportunities for what could serve as an open air marketplace.
11-12 years - Completing a loop trail around the lake to provide public access to all sides of Shanks Lake.
15 years - Once the vision for the lake is fully realized, there may be an opportunity to look at a boardwalk across the lake or other improvements.