The proposed area is located on the southeast corner of Parkhill Junior High School's property and is currently not being used for educational purposes. The neighborhood around the school has previously used the area as a dog park for its residents.
“I appreciate the partnership that we have with the city of Dallas,” Interim Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. “Over the course of my eight years of being a part of Richardson ISD, I've seen the launch of several parks and other projects. The outcome is always a benefit to the community and a direct benefit to our kids. We love these opportunities when the city comes to us and [wants to partner].”
The agreement was unanimously approved by the board at a work session Jan. 24. The partnership is scheduled to begin Jan. 31 and will last five years.
According to the agenda item, Dallas plans to improve the area, building fencing along the northwest corner of the park as well as adding a gate and trash receptacles. These renovations will be at no cost to the district, staff said. In addition, the city will maintain the area and all the improvements for the length of the agreement.
These renovations are part of a strategy by the city of Dallas to “increase resident access to parks and open spaces,” according to the agreement. This strategy prioritizes allowing residents to have access to a park within a 10-minute walk of their home, the agreement states. Parkhill is located about 0.25 miles southwest of Campbell Green Park, a Dallas public park.
RISD and Dallas each have the option for a 10-year renewal of their agreement after five years. RISD Assistant Superintendent Sandra Hayes said she made sure to have a short term length to allow for potential growth at Parkhill Junior High.
