City makes deal for new park near Independence High School

A new 12-acre park just west of Independence High School is in the works—the result of a deal between the city of Frisco, Frisco Community Development Corp., Frisco ISD and a residential developer.

Frisco ISD approached the city about selling nearly 24 acres of property to the city with the purpose of building a park. The land will be bought by the city and transferred to the FCDC.

An agreement with developer Hillwood Residential Services LP will allow the company to build 40 residential lots and also allow the city to have a neighborhood park area complete with a sports practice facility.

The developer will be responsible for engaging a consultant to design the park, and the city is estimated to save $200,000–$300,000 through the deal.

Parks & Recreation Department officials said the park could be complete as early as late fall.

In a staff memo, city officials said the new park would fill the need for more park space in The Arbors at Willow Bay/Sorano area.

Most Frisco neighborhood parks are between 6 and 10 acres, with half of that allocated to playgrounds, pavilions, gathering areas, basketball courts and walking trails, and the rest open fields.

This project will differ in that about 3–4 acres will be dedicated for the playground and other standard facilities and the remaining area for practice fields.