Prosper park plan rejected, $2M Denton County roadwork moves forward: 6 Dallas-Fort Worth updates

From road construction in Denton County to policy changes in Frisco, here’s a look at some of the latest news from Community Impact's Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.

1. Prosper rejects plans for a 7-acre neighborhood park

Prosper Town Council rejected a plan for a 7-acre neighborhood park in Creekside, a future single-family residential development on the east side of Legacy Drive and south of Frontier Parkway. Council rejected the agreement at a Jan. 13 meeting. Council members were hesitant to spend public money on a park that would only benefit a small number of Prosper residents, especially after voters rejected a proposition to spend $24 million on parks and recreation in a bond election last November.

Read the full story from Editorial Intern Jenna Stephenson.

2. Crayola Experience at Shops of Willow Bend in Plano temporarily closed

The Crayola Experience at the Shops at Willow Bend is temporarily closed, according to a sign on the door. The sign on the door states that Centennial, the development company that owns the mall, has changed the locks on the site Feb. 7 due to "delinquent rent.” The Crayola Experience's phone number is disconnected, and the website states the facility is temporarily closed.

Gain the full insights from Government Reporter Jacquelyn Burrer.

3. Pizza, pancakes and Philly cheesesteaks: 6 Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant updates

Community Impact highlights new restaurants and other dining experiences weekly. Check out this list of six restaurants and cafes that are coming soon or have opened recently in Dallas-Fort Worth, along with other business highlights.

Read here from Education Reporter Hannah Johnson.

4. Denton County Commissioners Court approve $2M bid for construction on FM 407, I-35W intersection

The Denton County Commissioners Court is working to expedite construction on improvements to the intersection of FM 407 and I-35W to start this month, according to a county news release. The court approved a contract with Ed Bell Construction Company for more than $2 million during its regular meeting Jan. 30 to add right-turn lanes on the west side of FM 407 and I-35 W to improve congestion. Construction is expected to start in February, expediting the process laid out in the county's Micro Breakout Project.

Read on to find out more from Editor Gabby Bailey.

5. New Fort Worth shopping center to feature pizza, liquor store, dentist's office

A shopping center on Harmon Road in Fort Worth will bring a takeout pizza location, a dentist and a liquor store to the area. The development at 9201 Harmon Road is being offered by Matthews, a national commercial real estate company with locations in Dallas and Austin. According to a spokesman, the development will be completed by April.

See more details from Senior Reporter Cody Thorn.

6. Frisco Public Library designates ‘free expression areas’

The Frisco Public Library will now use free expression areas to balance library operations with residents’ right to free speech. Frisco City Council approved the change as part of the library’s new service policy at a Feb. 3 work session. Free expression areas are “designated outdoor areas for peaceful assembly and free speech activities,” according to city documents.

Read here from Editorial Intern Jenna Stephenson.