The design work for Leonard and Helen Johns Community Park is moving forward after council approved a firm during the Oct. 6 meeting.

Council members unanimously approved a professional services contract worth $657,800 with MHS Planning & Design for the park’s design.

The overview

The approved contract with MHS Planning and Design will cover the full design and construction plans for the park, which will be used during the bidding process, according to town documents. The documents will be used to implement the master plan for redevelopment of the park.

MHS Planning and Design previously presented the master plan for the park, which was unanimously approved by council in May.


Per town documents, the contract also covers the firm’s assistance during the bidding phase and with construction administration for the project.

Diving deeper

The redevelopment of Leonard and Helen Johns Community Park is expected to cost a little more than $7 million, which will be funded through the 2025 bond that was approved in May. Town staff also applied for a $750,000 grant through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for the project. They expect to hear back in December or January on the results of the grant application.

Improvements at the park include:
  • Adding five tennis courts
  • Building a fishing pier
  • Adding a nature-themed playground
  • Enhancing the concrete trail network at the park
  • Other work including a restroom, parking and landscaping
What’s next


An update on the design for the park will be provided to the town’s parks board when plans are around 70% complete, according to town documents.