Richardson City Council discussed several projects funded through the 2021 bond during its Nov. 6 work session.
The gist
Eight total projects were covered by the briefing conducted by Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Shohn Rodgers. Three of the projects included the final name selection for parks at Apollo Drive and Plano Road, Glenville Drive and Belt Line Road, and the Interurban park project along Main Street. Five park playgrounds are receiving equipment replacements.
The Apollo Road property was recommended to be named Apollo Park; the Glenville Drive property recommended name is Twin Rivers Park, and the Interurban area’s suggested name is the Interurban Common. The city’s parks and recreation commission has been tasked with recommending park names to council, typically naming parks after geographic features.
Playground equipment replacement is funded at the following parks, according to a council memo:
- Berkner Park
- Breckinridge Park
- Terrace Park
- Woodland Park
- Woods Park
Quote of note
“We like to use a mix of [equipment] manufacturers because it gives us a diverse and rich playground landscape across the city,” Rodgers said.
Zooming in
The work on the future Apollo Park is about 90% complete, per city documents, with a planned opening next spring. In total, the project cost is $1.25 million and will include multiuse fields and a parking lot.
“We’re taking a very narrow approach,” Rodgers said. “It’s going to be the spearhead of a really exciting property and a really great park for the community.”
Construction on Twin Rivers Park—developed in conjunction with the Twin Rivers Retirement Community—began Oct. 2, Rodgers said, and it will cost $2.1 million with anticipated completion next fall. The plan for the park includes a walking trail with a connection to the gate of the senior community, a pavilion and a wildflower meadow.
The budget for the Interurban project is $5.4 million, and it is located on property owned by Dallas Area Rapid Transit. An initial plan for the area includes plaza and food truck spaces, seating, and landscaping.
What’s next?
No binding action was taken by council during the work session. Council is expected to consider approval of the park names and a construction contract for the Interurban project during its Nov. 13 meeting.
