The gist
As discussions continue toward refining the bond referendum voters will see on their ballot next May, Richardson City Council received a presentation from Director of Parks and Recreation Yvonne Falgout on proposed parks projects during a Nov. 10 meeting.
Falgout said that staff is eyeing “$20-$30 million” as the total cost of the proposition.
Staff marked the following as possible projects to include in the bond, according to the presentation:
- Aquatics projects at Cottonwood Pool and Canyon Creek Pool
- 10 playground renovations
- Apollo Park upgrades
- An additional pedestrian bridge at Breckinridge Park
- Galatyn Plaza fountain repair
- Outdoor pickleball courts at Point North
Council members voiced support for prioritizing an additional pedestrian bridge at Breckinridge Park before continuing work on Apollo Park.
The bridge would connect the east and west sides of Breckinridge Park, and would cost around $5 million, according to the presentation. The project would be the second bridge in the park, with the first being finished in 2010.
“I really struggle with the idea that we're going to move forward with Apollo Park when there are other parks in that area, and we're going to push [the bridge] down the road after we've already pushed it for 15 years,” Mayor Pro Tem Ken Hutchenrider said.
Apollo Park opened last August. Its second phase would cost about $7.44 million and would include several upgrades to add soccer fields.
“That gives us an opportunity to actually have soccer fields that are usable and well cared for,” Falgout said. “If we were able to move some of our soccer play to Apollo Park, we would be able to open Breckenridge up for some other sports activities. ... We are seeing a huge demand for various other sports, and we're trying to accommodate those needs because if we don't accommodate them, they're still going to happen and they're going to end up destroying some of the amenities that we have.”
What else?
The prioritized aquatics projects are $2.76 million to replace Cottonwood Pool with a new sprayground and $2.3 million for renovations at Canyon Creek Pool.
Staff proposed the replacement of 10 playgrounds be funded through the bond. The total cost would be estimated at $5.72 million.
Falgout said that the average lifespan of a playground is 15-20 years, and Mayor Amir Omar suggested cutting playgrounds that were installed after 2009 from the list of projects. The updated list would cost around $3.11 million and include new playgrounds at the following parks:
- Huffhines Park
- Breckinridge C Complex
- Creek Hollow Park
- Richland Park
- Crowley South
- Heights Park
Council will continue to develop the bond program with several presentations on proposed projects through November and December before refining the propositions in January.
Council will decide whether or not to call a bond election Feb. 9, according to the presentation, and election day is May 2.
