Catch up on recent government decisions coming out of Prosper and Celina, including Celina officials updating zoning codes in response to Senate Bill 840 and Prosper’s next steps after their November bond election.
1. Prosper’s $26M park nears completion
Raymond Community Park is now partially open after more than a year of construction and rising costs.
Once fully built out, Raymond Community Park will include tennis and pickleball courts, baseball fields, batting cages, multipurpose fields, a playground and a community garden.
Prosper officials broke ground on the park in January 2024. The project has faced delays and cost increases due to inflation, construction timing and field sod issues, Parks and Recreation Director Dan Baker said.
2. Prosper officials discuss priorities for 2026, post-bond next steps
With most of last year’s $192.3 million bond package rejected by voters, Prosper leaders are shifting their focus to planning for the future, emphasizing stronger communication and more collaboration among town leaders.
Prosper Town Council members and local officials met Feb. 10 for a town visioning session to reflect on the past year and identify priorities for 2026.
Mayor David Bristol said in light of the bond results, town officials are reassessing how to fund projects, likely shifting to a pay-as-you-go model and finding new revenue sources. He also wants to strengthen communication and involvement from boards, committees and residents.
3. Prosper council considers roundabouts as traffic light alternative
Prosper officials are considering adding more roundabouts amid a wave of current and future road construction.
Prosper Town Council discussed possible ways to incorporate roundabouts at a Feb. 10 meeting.
Town Council favored roundabouts on minor roads and directed staff to explore possible roundabout locations on major roads like Coit Road as well.
4. Celina officials discuss downtown ‘softening’ despite population growth
As Celina’s population grows, its downtown area hasn’t grown at the same rate, according to city officials.
Anthony Satarino, director of the Celina Economic Development Corp., said that downtown was “softening,” referring to fewer visits and less sales tax revenue than expected in recent years.
To help downtown businesses take advantage of the city’s growth, officials are laying out a strategic vision for the area, and they're looking to Grapevine and McKinney for inspiration.
5. Celina council amends zoning ordinance in response to state multifamily housing law
Officials amended Celina’s zoning ordinance to allow heavy industrial uses by permit in Celina’s nonresidential zoning districts.
The move is a response to Senate Bill 840, which makes it easier for developers to build multifamily and mixed-use developments, according to city documents.
Under the new ordinance, developers can apply for a special use permit for heavy or high-risk industrial purposes in nonresidential zoning districts.
6. Celina officials discuss plans for $2.4M downtown property
Celina officials discussed potential uses for the former restaurant space they acquired in January.
Officials hope to use the purchase to create a “spillover effect” that will draw people downtown and benefit existing businesses, said Anthony Satarino, director of the Celina Economic Development Corp.
The Forge 1912, a family-owned steakhouse that closed its doors last summer, previously occupied the 4,600-square-foot building at 132 N. Louisiana Drive. About 35% of the property is made up of an open patio city officials plan to use as a “concentrated outdoor and community space,” Satarino said.
