Southlake's North Park is currently undergoing a $6.4 million renovation project.
Renovations include converting the three fields to artificial turf and increasing parking, in accordance with the Southlake 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.
Construction began on Sept. 21 for what will be the final stage of the city’s field turf conversion project.
Artificial turf has previously been installed in Bob Jones Park on softball fields 3-6 and multipurpose fields 4-6 along with Bicentennial Park baseball fields 3, 5, 6 and 7.
The details
Construction on the fields includes an improved drainage system and a shock pad to increase impact absorption.
The new turf fields will be softer and better at absorbing impact when compared to the NFL standard for turf, according to city documents.
New chain-link fencing will be installed around the fields as well as safety netting that will extend above the north and south ends, according to the city.
The overview
David Miller, director of community services, said the turf has been an improvement for the aesthetics and playability of the fields, and allows teams more opportunities to practice.
“The biggest plus has, of course, been the ability to still practice and play games within close proximity of high-impact rain events,” Miller said. “With the installation of artificial turf, all fields with artificial turf are now designated as multi-use, which has significantly increased the amount of practice and game space available to teams.”
Also of note
Other renovations include increasing park accessibility and improving the parking lots by adding better drainage as well as more lighting and landscaping.
A new parking lot is also being built with an additional 152 spaces, bringing the total to 286, Miller said.
Managing the impact
The city has seven partner athletic associations which will all have access to turf fields after the North Park project is complete.
Miller said fall usage of the fields is typically low but the city is working with any impacted organizations to provide alternatives and updates on potential spring impacts.
“For example, Lady Dragon Lacrosse is utilizing the Southlake Sports Complex for some fall games and practices, and City Flag Football programming is being run at Bob Jones Park during this time,” Miller said.
North Park will remain open to the public during construction, with only certain areas and portions of the sidewalk loop closed.
Looking ahead
The project is expected to be completed early in 2027, Miller said.
