Prosper officials hold ribbon cutting for $26M Raymond Community Park

Raymond Community Park is now partially open following a Feb. 24 ribbon cutting ceremony in Prosper.

What you need to know

The park spans 70 acres and is located in the northwest corner of the Coit Road and First Street intersection.

Currently open amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a hike-and-bike trail and a playground. Baseball and multipurpose fields are expected to open this summer, Parks and Recreation Director Dan Baker said.

“We still have a little ways to go before opening the park, but ... we feel this park’s important enough to go ahead and get open what we can,” Baker said.

The park has seen several delays over the last year due to inflation, construction timing and field sod issues, Baker said.

Zooming in

Mayor David Bristol called the park’s opening “the fulfillment of a dream that began over a decade ago” and highlighted the collaboration among town leaders, volunteers and community organizations.

“This park represents responsible growth, fiscal stewardship and long-term planning,” Bristol said.

Bristol also recognized the Prosper Area Soccer Organization for its $950,000 donation to fund lighting for the multipurpose fields.

The park is named for Prosper’s former parks and recreation director, Dudley Raymond, who died in October 2021. His wife, Bridget Raymond, said serving as parks director was more than a job for him.

“Along the way, he built more than parks,” Raymond said. “He built relationships.”