[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6567947,"mediaKeyId","3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f","parentId",3241107,"title","Staff previews summer events, new park planner and a turf pilot; special-event survey launched","audioSeconds",352,"startMs",821000,"endMs",1173000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f&start=821&end=1173","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f/thumbnail_821000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6567947/Prosper/Collin-County/Texas/Staff-previews-summer-events-new-park-planner-and-a-turf-pilot-special-event-survey-launched","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567947-ff879d95fb0045de3e2aaa061c20eb03/orig.mp4?Expires=1770593742&Signature=g3YOLjVP0g4ueyxU5eTcpDxhb1YYhqD72olyXt9mYFFENyN9tS~1Gzy3toH31GEkhC6rpb-QzSHKIhIlW6lcx0aCL9jwRnyBSHhCodgartO~BNdY9esAgKg0JikHBL6nAfd2EHwOxBiRXhAZ4SO2EcSKPDbfYymn71ynjNMDGAN9xdX-AksJo0~mWKxMyLxCQ-zJ1boywBlG0XSUQepoq~-RsRZvHU7gD1w9fWQF4Xg4neAE3stc2uFxTI0iFZjIygyd~igY~dgIWqJskZQmQFoLHGRy8cZzkqDQDBS4butXqG449wLnho9moinoBL348Lg~V-PHXsydvYX2GEPDqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Prosper","date","2025-05-08T00:00:00Z","article","Parks and Recreation staff used the May 8 meeting to introduce a new park planning manager, preview several upcoming events and describe operational pilots and maintenance activity.

New hire: The board welcomed the new park planning manager, Randy (last name not provided). Randy said he recently worked in Richardson and Plano as a landscape architect, previously worked in San Antonio transportation/capital improvements and served as a U.S. Army captain.

Events and outreach: Staff said they supported National Day of Prayer last week with about 130 attendees and previewed several upcoming events: Prosper on Tap (a downtown \"sip and stroll\" ticketed event hosted with a third-party event company; roughly 9–10 downtown stops and participants receive a map and lanyard), a Memorial Day ceremony at Frontier Park at 10 a.m. followed by a Rotary Club groundbreaking for a Veterans Memorial, and additional downtown events later in the season. Staff said some downtown tasting locations will not allow customers to take alcohol off-site because of TABC licensing rules.

Special-event survey: Staff launched a special-event survey to solicit public preferences about event size and type (estimated 14 questions, distributed via QR code, town and parks webpages, utility-bill insert and local media). Communications staffers Patty Kinsey and Wilson Hayes developed the survey, which staff said will run through the end of the month and results will be shared with the board.

Turf pilot and operations: Operations manager Matt Furr showed a pilot artificial-turf installation at the town hall book drop that staff installed in-house to test durability and maintenance savings. Matt said the pilot will inform future downtown projects and that staff will monitor performance. He also reported recent vandalism and noted that most fields were reopened after wet-weather closures.

Why it matters: The events and survey are part of the town's effort to increase downtown activity and better align programming with resident preferences. The turf pilot is an example of operational testing to reduce watering and mowing in high-traffic downtown areas.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the April 10 minutes by voice vote (5-0) at the start of the meeting and later passed a motion to adjourn (5-0). No other formal votes or ordinances were decided by the board at the May 8 meeting.

Ending: Staff said it will share survey results when compiled and will return with additional operational updates as projects progress.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Prosper - Parks and Recreation - May 08, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff introduced a new park planning manager, previewed summer events (Prosper on Tap, Memorial Day ceremony, Rotary Veterans Memorial groundbreaking), launched a public special-event survey and described a downtown artificial-turf pilot at the book drop.","taxTitle","Prosper, Collin County, Texas","taxId",54250,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567950,"Mayor urges bigger park signage and dedicated enforcement; staff outlines options and coordination with police",2736,90000,2826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f&start=90&end=2826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f/thumbnail_90000.jpg","/articles/6567950/Prosper/Collin-County/Texas/Mayor-urges-bigger-park-signage-and-dedicated-enforcement-staff-outlines-options-and-coordination-with-police","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567950-9c3f0f07e6f88bd048a4a66b80deb2be/orig.mp4?Expires=1770593742&Signature=ETQGGJmdAPAggzbyivmtlTYYk8DQtFHtLTIK1jjqh0ewTnGnxaBMmZQGB-oor3UDw9CHTThTxn0XB~ush7uXhyQ6frbCPyZJhRhcnl9EC2nHw8uc7hshd~rVDg3N0bL3w7E9sCzqWwDQe~uGxS3b7yksA6MQLypm0h7X~FkQznnBPhUhuWqa5rbzl0xhGAmcrtd2hPWkShrweTj6G6XGUm0ijrEMMbFT2XPK6n93OgnvlH3lCJXAfvngsKG4sjSKApS3VJIGZhRjUiT18fV4NSUnv1ezZ6BiItJ~GWse1cUOQLHPuzTwZlYtfdGxWmu4AyYTbnWk2kLJ7h7EVY6FCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor David Distal told the Parks and Recreation Board on May 8 that larger, clearer signage and a visible enforcement presence are needed to protect fields and public safety, citing concerns about e-bikes and a recent serious crash involving a child.

\"I would urge this board and the staff to consider the addition of significantly larger signage at our major parks, which specifically gives the rules for the use of the parks,\" Distal said, and he urged the creation of a park warden-type position to oversee closures, fairness of enforcement and field upkeep.

Staff response and interim enforcement: Operations manager Matt Furr described short-term measures the department has used, including an overtime rotation for staff to patrol parks evenings and weekends. \"For the last 2 weeks ... everybody signed up, and we have people out there right now,\" Matt said, explaining the limits of one-person patrols and the department's reliance on dispatch and police for enforcement. He said staff used the public-address system successfully on some nights and that signs are posted to show closures.

Coordination with police and ordinances: Dan Baker said staff will meet with the police department to develop cooperative enforcement approaches. Baker said parks staff do not carry ticket books or badges and that police response has been the primary enforcement tool: \"We don't have any weight on force in the parks department. We don't carry ticket books. We don't carry badges ... so it's the only way we can enforce it.\"

Signage options: Staff said they recently completed a redesign of many park signs to match the town's branding and are considering larger, standalone signs for high-priority rules (for example, e-bike restrictions). Baker said the department is evaluating a mix of posted rules and QR codes that link to a fuller set of ordinances and regulations online, which would reduce the need for billboard-sized signs while still providing enforceable notices.

Why it matters: Board members and the mayor framed the issue as protecting fields from damage, improving public safety (Mayor Distal cited e-bike crashes), and ensuring fair access for residents and organized user groups. Staff said fencing and attendant programs have limited efficacy and that a long-term solution will require resources and council direction.

Ending: The board asked staff to continue work with the police department, to review park ordinances for enforcement gaps, and to return with a signage proposal and options for a paid park-attendant or ranger model.

","Mayor David Distal urged larger, clearer rules signage and proposed a park warden role to enforce closures and field protection; staff described temporary overtime patrols, coordination with police, ordinance review and plans for updated signs and QR-code links to park rules.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567954,"Raymond Park progressing; PASO offers nearly $1 million for multipurpose field lighting",2101,1239000,3340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f&start=1239&end=3340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f/thumbnail_1239000.jpg","/articles/6567954/Prosper/Collin-County/Texas/Raymond-Park-progressing-PASO-offers-nearly-1-million-for-multipurpose-field-lighting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567954-05031e209d342236d76131cfacae10b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770593742&Signature=URnKlJiALkwyQSmnxwFQ6pkTlLWSJtHS8pykoTpgg-u-KR2G-D~X3qZRNxPf8a5H1TOgbb6qea~Vk3y9mnfVCsMp7-FXZzEEihuvqjclgq~-zDxWnRDysAaBweh2ZKGfj1NCwokjmfZYMHb9yCwBRQzXWdWKrEKypIHsZtJLvTowtCKKZEfvf~fQFvZex7gdDcFX~n36BIxgAIje6pbYsGmvaIDn-Ng7DVBo9MSYYB~vSziU8AKYrlEw7zmAOHlupEUf8sVLFRSQMlUkp3AYjkBUbfa~cZLbFxAhIKYt3dWcZnuBSSP2Vjg8PRWdcynRIaZzpbDhvrGoqpeUOytiRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff updated the Parks and Recreation Board on construction progress at Raymond Park, field-capacity data and a major private donation toward lighting for multipurpose fields.

Park progress and schedule: Kurtz Bealhartz, park development manager, said recent rains temporarily slowed work but contractors have advanced restroom work, fencing and backstops; staff now anticipates substantial completion around October 2025, weather permitting. \"We're thinking now completion is gonna be in October,\" Kurtz said.

Field capacity and utilization: Trevor Hilton, recreation manager, reviewed multi-year field-use tracking the department has kept since 2015 and said use of synthetic-turf (artificial) surfaces is high. He reported recent losses of several school and club fields (Eagles Landing, Reynolds Middle School) and said staff expanded practice locations at Folsom Middle School and reconfigured layouts at Frontier Park to maintain play. Trevor said synthetic turf practice usage percentages have increased and that youth-sports participation (baseball, soccer) continues to grow.

Lighting funding offer: Director Dan Baker told the board the Prosper Area Soccer Organization (PASO) has offered $950,000 toward LED lighting for Raymond's multipurpose fields. Baker said PASO previously placed funds in a CD and is prepared to donate $950,000 now; PASO also offered to advance additional contributions after fall registration. Baker estimated the lighting cost at roughly $1.8 million to $2.0 million and said the Capital Improvement Program subcommittee gave a favorable initial review. \"They're gonna make their $950,000 donation as long as staff, as long as town council will accept it,\" Baker said. Council approval will be required before accepting the contribution and proceeding with installation.

Sod versus seed: Staff told the board seed was included for multipurpose fields in the current contract but that late-season seeding risks poor establishment. Baker said upgrading from seed to sod would cost roughly $400,000 and recommended a change order so fields establish sooner and are available for organized play next season; he said contingency funds from Raymond and leftover Lakewood funds could cover the upgrade without diverting other planned projects.

Why it matters: The donation and potential sod upgrade would increase usable field hours, reduce weather-related cancellations, and help meet demand as the town grows. Staff and the CIP subcommittee signaled support, but Baker said formal council action will be required to accept PASO's funds and to approve any change order.

Ending: Board members expressed broad support for pursuing the lighting donation and for measures to get fields ready; no council-level approvals were made at the May 8 board meeting.

","Construction continues at Raymond Park with a projected October completion; the town reported a PASO donation of $950,000 toward multipurpose field lighting (estimated $1.8M–$2M), and staff presented field-use data showing high synthetic-turf utilization amid lost school fields.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6567959,"Local cricket players press board for clearer access, staff outlines reservation fee and signage plan",3537,473000,4010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f&start=473&end=4010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3241107-068f7466c85b48ee5b57d0099127d01f/thumbnail_473000.jpg","/articles/6567959/Prosper/Collin-County/Texas/Local-cricket-players-press-board-for-clearer-access-staff-outlines-reservation-fee-and-signage-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6567959-6c5f4992bcf5792f5acb5b3181b345a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770593742&Signature=o1bmOw9AGpaSBAfvyvmN7TN47KHc7qP6WZGwE1mf32yVYTTl9FgAwO6tM87y~Edcg1U1UGKWdkRDtGQd0JwnDinTm3JTE2J3yEvOSqF02ePfGgmdfNQJeONNrJer-8AswUCeYAEYqI8EulSnVbQH4oPIWWfag~YTeW~W1DdtXQzuVlmnAsEQWym3u0r6C8ZhZHN1qTEQESbPwyDa4pj1n-HEXj4fUINv7abrsNPwKMJCvB9XcBQAxiue57q6KyeILWZJR-CSKshfk781IBum01TFzxtYmYAhepqYMSrPgsc~Lj7fE86ey8SvjZ8AsMiut0ueqE9BCnpTCjCBDUdbwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of Prosper residents who play informal cricket asked the Parks and Recreation Board on May 8 for clearer rules and fair access to park space, saying recent citations and field closures have created uncertainty about where and when they can play.

The residents, represented in public comment by Satya Bommaraju, said the players have used a grassy area near Folsom Park since 2021 and that they do not occupy marked soccer fields. “We are residents. We're not from out of town. We are cricket enthusiasts ... we don't occupy the soccer fields,” Bommaraju said. He told the board the group polices e-bikes and litter themselves and asked that residents be treated equally when parks are open.

The request came after Mayor David Distal described enforcement at Lakewood Park, saying police cited individuals at a closure and that out-of-town visitors were among those cited: “They went out and cited the individuals. There were 7 people from Salina, 6 from Prosper, and I believe 3 from Frisco,” Distal said.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said cricket participants compete for limited time and space on multiuse fields. The board asked staff to return with a fuller plan to balance demands for cricket, soccer and other field uses and to clarify reservation rules for residents and outside users.

What staff said: Director Dan Baker told the board Lakewood Park is currently the only formalized cricket pitch in town and described the department's interim pricing and signage approach. Baker said a single soccer field rental for a resident is $35 per hour; the cricket pitch occupies an area between two soccer fields, so staff is charging $70 per hour when the space is reserved as a pitch. He said new signs and a QR code will link to park rules, reservations and a schedule of availability.

\"Right now, at Lake Lakewood is our only pitch that we have formalized ... To reserve it, right now, it costs a resident for 1 soccer field, it's $35 for a resident. The pitch is laid between 2 soccer fields ... so we've said $70 an hour,\" Baker said. He said signs with a QR code and a reservation form will be posted in the coming days to show rules and who has the space reserved.

Board follow-up: The board asked staff to prepare a more detailed presentation before the end of the fiscal year covering unmet demand, fee structure, scheduling and potential locations for additional pitches or partnerships. Board member Kyle Lafrenay specifically requested a formal staff strategy and an update on municipal support for cricket; Dan Baker said staff will present a plan—timing to be determined but before fiscal year end.

Ending: The board did not take any formal vote on policy changes at the May 8 meeting; staff will return with a plan and additional data on field availability, fees and signage.

","Residents who play informal cricket at Folsom and Lakewood parks told the Parks and Recreation Board they want clearer rules and fair access; staff said Lakewood is the only formal pitch, described a $70/hour reservation rate (two soccer-field equivalent), and said new signs and a QR-code link to rules and reservations will be posted.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Staff previews summer events, new park planner and a turf pilot; special-event survey launched

Mayor urges bigger park signage and dedicated enforcement; staff outlines options and coordination with police

Raymond Park progressing; PASO offers nearly $1 million for multipurpose field lighting

Local cricket players press board for clearer access, staff outlines reservation fee and signage plan