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The McKinney Parks and Recreation Department has stayed busy early in the new year by opening new facilities and improving existing ones.
Here is a list of recent developments in the city’s park system.
Prestwyck Park
Prestwyck Park, a new neighborhood park near US 380 and Coit Road, opened in February.
The 17-acre, $3.3 million park is directly adjacent to Hughes Elementary School, a Prosper ISD campus. Features include play equipment, a splash pad, a pavilion, a sports court, shade structures and more, according to the city’s master plan for the facility.
Finch Park
Improvements are being made at Finch Park. New playground equipment and the largest splash pad in the McKinney parks system are being installed at the corner of South College and Willie streets, said Michael Kowski, McKinney Parks and Recreation director. In addition, four new pickleball courts are being added.
Work is expected to finish “later this calendar year.”
Mary Will Craig Park and Murphy Park
Renovations to two McKinney parks began in January, according to the city.
Mary Will Craig Park near Virginia Parkway will see a new playground alongside a running track and skating area, the facility’s master plan states. In addition, the basketball court and ballfields will all be updated.
Murphy Park near McDonald Street will see an expanded playground. Additional amenities being added include a shaded picnic grove, bench swings and a basketball court.
Both parks are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Gray Branch Community Park
A new trail is being added to Gray Branch Community Park off Gray Branch Road, according to Kowski.
The McKinney Parks Foundation has about 1 mile cleared out for the first installation, Kowski said. He added that several volunteer opportunities for the trail are available here.
