[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6175378,"mediaKeyId","5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f","parentId",5357318,"title","City, developer and neighbors negotiate Mount Gilead–Roanoke trail easements; council set 18‑month escrow condition","audioSeconds",430,"startMs",811000,"endMs",1241000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f&start=811&end=1241","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f/thumbnail_811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6175378/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/City-developer-and-neighbors-negotiate-Mount-GileadRoanoke-trail-easements-council-set-18month-escrow-condition","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175378-be82d2b03c5412ea8c80cb2898e534e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165760&Signature=KcGionjv0V0Eg1B3nvvYUhxdqBzsS2EU6Xs17fOYU-vpnI7-nUXFROCV3sfebPRLvCdiicNLu3U-zUCi6X0dK3Lw4pYQRGzLOb1aecf8bzm5kZFCt7qTS70hbBl4fppvpyWgC6z7IOyC-RsT3AtuLdhY~DI2OlEXF6qsG3K~JTN78eGJ71MWSqWGWYS-PKKpS5Cym3UGzi8Lv2JqbgJQAus4D~e~8f88sPVPgnaBzgkvgE3f015v5WUv2o-~UolZhIcMVobCcaCknVSpK3nEewFSamB5famv7n76oMIz5Z~hxDnfvNrjEjzu8qK5p8JRytkjfQ6~XEOZ-9bTHvG~cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Keller TX","date","2025-07-08T23:06:16Z","article","Parks staff told the board the Mount Gilead–Roanoke connection is scheduled to begin construction Aug. 11 and is expected to take about nine months, but the larger trail alignment is contingent on easements and developer decisions.

“Construction beginning August 11, and that being a 9 month project,” a parks staff member said during the July 3 meeting. Staff and board members discussed how the sale of property to Landscape Systems and a development north of the creek altered the original plan, requiring either a multimillion‑dollar bridge to cross the creek or an alternative alignment on the south side of the creek.

Council guidance and escrow: a parks staff member told the board that the city manager and council set a timeline and financial arrangement with Landscape Systems. The council gave the city 18 months to try to acquire the necessary easements; Landscape Systems agreed to escrow funds at today’s construction costs to build the trail. The parks staff member said, “If we can't get the easements at 18 months, that money goes back to Landscape Systems.”

Trees and design changes: staff said the original trail design called for removing 51 trees but that design revisions led to saving 26 trees; board members noted many of the trees in the right of way are post oak, live oak and some hackberry and that a number of trees slated for removal were already dead. One parks staff member said some trees will be removed as part of construction but that contractors were asked at preconstruction meetings to avoid additional tree loss where possible.

Neighborhood concerns and route termination: board members recounted resident concerns that the trail could become a “path to nowhere” if it dead‑ends in a secluded area and could encourage vandalism or loitering. Staff said those concerns were raised to the city attorney and that the city weighed long‑term benefits of completing connections against short‑term concerns. Staff also described an effort to research which adjacent neighbors might accept an easement and said the city will attempt to acquire easements within the council’s 18‑month window.

Discussion vs. decision: the council-level direction to acquire easements within 18 months and Landscape Systems’ escrow were described by staff as an agreement approved by council; the board’s role was advisory and informational at this meeting.

What’s next: staff will pursue easement negotiations, proceed with the south‑side alignment where feasible, and begin construction on the Mount Gilead–Roanoke segment on Aug. 11 while continuing outreach to affected homeowners and HOA representatives.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Keller Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - July 10, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff told the Keller Park & Recreation Board that construction on the Mount Gilead–Roanoke trail segment is scheduled to begin Aug. 11, but the full trail alignment depends on acquiring easements and developer cooperation.","taxTitle","Keller, Tarrant County, Texas","taxId",54069,"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},6175383,"Keller Sports Park work 73% complete; full park construction expected to finish in January",1060,568000,1628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f&start=568&end=1628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f/thumbnail_568000.jpg","/articles/6175383/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Keller-Sports-Park-work-73-complete-full-park-construction-expected-to-finish-in-January","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175383-5594ba045f53fa2d4084a2918a95fe9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165760&Signature=fZyZPSlkkUNd33bGIWEdvIeEJ2L6YbkGUPnH~2c9mViTxBNTBcrbCQYqzRAamp9VSLtzdHBiQ-vlG9ySvohHoLDeJwiXuZvU~ovKgwgpo5xqfWYFf8wUeC4VpfAQLf~x9iMm5FFsLu3sbgukCQwCj1BxkRWa-GibDuazpDvkMwPA4jR5~kEktLJdqLJrMVnYBqRbJmbC~tAT7Vmg-1bBdIFIqwkZd5k~hdMIRx9zINrEpd0~SmY1Najg~GWPC2sg~Z75Mpo9nsyv3O0-~kPEagwUt84RIVgkzww67rsRRDCnqC8YqB96cvGxetIIOoYJCbXhORLQdovRV-jK~4CGWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A parks staff member told the Keller Park & Recreation Board on July 3 that Keller Sports Park is about 73% complete and on track for major milestones this winter.

The parks staff member said paving and striping are finished for the soccer parking lot, the soccer parkway and the equestrian lot, and that new baseball fields have backstops, sod and synthetic turf in place. “Keller Sports Park, we’re 73% complete,” the staff member said. He added that the equestrian restroom/storage building is awaiting a TAS inspection and that the city expects to receive a certificate of occupancy and open that facility this month.

Why it matters: the construction timeline affects when youth and adult sports groups can use new fields and when city staff will shift to maintenance and programming responsibilities.

Most important details first: the staff member said crews have begun removing infields from the original baseball and softball fourplexes and converting those fields to synthetic turf; the four converted baseball fields will be offline until spring. The parks staff member described the conversion as “a several month project.”

Staff also discussed field preparation. A parks staff member explained that the soil preparation process — including excavation and moisture conditioning — is the same for baseball and soccer fields and is one of the cost drivers for the project.

Board members raised landscaping and warranty concerns. One board member criticized the planting method for young trees — specifically river birch used near the fields — and said some trees might fail because veiling and burlap were left on root balls during planting. A parks staff member said there will be a warranty and that some dead material will be replaced; the staff member acknowledged the contractor has already identified a tree loss by the equestrian area.

The board also reviewed other amenities that remain in progress. Staff said work on the interactive water feature (commonly called the splash pad) and other finishing details will continue through the fall and winter; construction for the sports park complex overall is scheduled to wrap up in January, with a target for fuller public opening in January or February. Staff asked the board to refrain from using colloquial labels for the interactive feature, saying the city is using “interactive water feature” rather than “wet pad.”

Discussion vs. decision: these are status updates and implementation details; the meeting did not include a formal vote or policy change about the construction schedule, materials or warranties.

What’s next: staff will continue inspections and punch-list work, pursue the certificate of occupancy for the equestrian restroom/storage building, and proceed with synthetic conversions on the older infields. The board discussed measuring and moving bleachers into the arena area once site work is finished.","Parks staff reported the sports park is 73% complete, with paving and sod installed on multiple fields, the equestrian restroom awaiting final inspection and a certificate of occupancy, and several original baseball fields scheduled for conversion to synthetic turf and offline through spring.",{"_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},6175364,"City staff reports record membership at Keller Point, new boxing club partnership and strong turnout at Keller Lights",938,4277000,5215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f&start=4277&end=5215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f/thumbnail_4277000.jpg","/articles/6175364/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/City-staff-reports-record-membership-at-Keller-Point-new-boxing-club-partnership-and-strong-turnout-at-Keller-Lights","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175364-0a3fa1850a61a192b664e495456db097/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165760&Signature=PrNXChZ3rs8q2hsM6YXq9As0d0yuD6edxX8jnHESvm3yDhDlFqKVuxLE1RCm7Rl330wupJ7RxkymMKy9Oi53SkQSkokrGjor9xEmy5QN5EEYY6z1fn4laSTfdP-dSZkWZHXCLL-NF~71EHjnaM6Vm80ydaSmSIwC0Uy9qLn8jJzOnh0w9eTQHFr-PEdZ2EJNfSJ~ULC7hLJiK0pOSg5rj-Q4S91oO13yUj5~4MAvs4DV1WePMVQNhuRNwl4eN9bILV7Xh-ZfbFmjH9JJsfJa4YGDgOZ9mOj0bClrPy05Y0X07I-dqAjjrqSJfNvGebss6SUr35u4ch53B-GEYw389A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Recreation staff provided multiple program and event updates at the July 3 Park & Recreation Board meeting, including membership, new programming and an initial evaluation of the recent Keller Lights celebration.

Membership and programming: staff reported the Keller Point has 3,532 members — a five‑year high — and that membership increased by more than 100 in June. Staff said the center will host a new boxing club beginning Aug. 1; the club will use facility space for training and will operate under a partnership arrangement with an anticipated 60/40 revenue split. The parks recreation staff member said the boxing club brings an existing membership base of about 75–100 participants and will use meeting and training rooms and heavy‑bag equipment at the Point.

Events: staff estimated attendance at Keller Lights and related July 3 activities at roughly 20,000–25,000 people and said the community reaction was positive. Officials said public safety incidents were minimal; the most common operational issue was early placement of chairs and tents by attendees, which staff plan to address in future communications. Staff also said the city plans to rotate bands and increase the budget for headline entertainment in future years, and that sponsors have expressed interest in additional financial support.

Other upcoming programs: staff announced a city scavenger‑hunt event tied to National Parks and Recreation Month, a sensory swim for families with sensory needs in August, and an employee‑only splash event at the Point on July 24. Staff invited board members and their families to the employee splash bash. Staff also confirmed the recreation department uses member/nonmember pricing for classes and that nonmembers can still attend pay‑per‑class.

Discussion vs. decision: these were staff reports and announcements; the board did not vote on new programming or budget changes at the meeting.

What’s next: staff will follow up on lessons learned from Keller Lights (logistics, supplies and staging), implement new partnerships with the boxing club, and continue membership outreach and programming for fall and holiday seasons.","Recreation staff reported a five‑year high membership at the Keller Point (3,532 members), announced a boxing club partnership beginning Aug. 1 with a 60/40 revenue split, and reviewed the July 3 Keller Lights event attendance (estimated 20,000–25,000) and lessons learned for future events.",{"_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},6175368,"Park board explores user agreements, access control and equine‑specific rules for new arena",448,2593000,3041000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f&start=2593&end=3041","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f/thumbnail_2593000.jpg","/articles/6175368/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Park-board-explores-user-agreements-access-control-and-equinespecific-rules-for-new-arena","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175368-afb367737e1e409e6ae43b05680ef0d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165760&Signature=JjdzIkS75jNHvXNpsdPUXYBEGIkuAQZiXG9Nc5DSP~DYM~aTLNnoLQOzYwLDzEM3rKnuI4-MS-tkVnCEnoPsX0X1UKlqQbx9jNJnNHHeqJQAXv4ARYFGUWsJP1PIrYGYZU2SgdUjPxKgtLBnw-GXbKutc-kpFdzrau6uw4IbgT~YmBx--2dbnKpJD05POtD3duiWQX9FgKpOQ1CgnNWVIqdFxgWu0dWA7eothrxKIdiP6fJqaXF2c9t~FbY09r9~xSZXOzhgilb0-m7~sO34n0c92n~BECR9xwasgj~vJYcsAmWwtpWhDMPz4VDEo6x6glSlSmaD9Kq2UupZuRd87g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members and staff spent significant time on July 3 discussing how to manage public access and safety at the new arena and equestrian areas, and whether user agreements or physical access controls could reduce conflicts and improve oversight.

Board and staff described the arena as an open, self‑enforcing facility similar to basketball or pickleball courts in other parks and said that the lack of organized user groups makes management more difficult. One parks staff member summarized the problem: “This is that area where we just don't have that. And so that’s a phone of contention for many, many people.”

Options under consideration included creating formal user agreements with organizations, encouraging equestrian associations to formalize membership and fees, and controlling access to specific assets (for example, locking and renting the new press box as part of a usage agreement). A board member suggested partnering with nonprofit equine therapy providers who might need arena access; staff and board members noted several constraints for therapy programs, including frequent train noise near the arena and the therapy programs’ typical requirement for indoor facilities and specialized equipment.

Health and operational rules: staff explained Coggins testing requirements for horses. A parks staff member said organizations using the arena typically check Coggins paperwork (the annual equine blood test) before horses arrive: “Usually, the organization, they have somebody before they pull into the parking lot. They have to show their paperwork and that there's identifying they have, like, horse pictures on there.” The staff member added that, while the Coggins requirement is industry standard, it is mainly a mechanism to keep honest participants honest because staff do not check paperwork continuously.

Discussion vs. decision: the session was used to outline options and assignments; no formal access policy or rental agreement was approved at the meeting. Staff proposed starting with modest control points — for example, locking the press box and making its use part of a rental or usage agreement — as an initial measure.

What’s next: staff will draft potential user agreements and investigate code lock/rental options for the press box and similar assets, reach out to local equestrian groups and potential nonprofit partners, and report back with recommended management approaches and draft agreements.","Board members and staff discussed access and management of the new arena/equestrian area, including possible locks or code access, use agreements, equine therapy suitability, and Coggins testing and enforcement for horses using the facility.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6175373,"Board hears calls to clarify trail rules after reports of electric mini‑bikes and motorcycles on Keller trails",315,1871000,2186000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f&start=1871&end=2186","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5357318-2a22e752c44a07b3f5eb52c2aab6373f/thumbnail_1871000.jpg","/articles/6175373/Keller/Tarrant-County/Texas/Board-hears-calls-to-clarify-trail-rules-after-reports-of-electric-minibikes-and-motorcycles-on-Keller-trails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6175373-5d51e2e24bdca151e3f8820fc8a42a6f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165760&Signature=KtYOre6TOzqTVE88zGPGNtUDpDm1is6TMbV1yp4zI~L2PMERqrsWfaSUpI4MMvTzhYX~haM0i6kRU2Zf3nj-jRPx3FKrRk832cE30DuQw-gHEnyUmi5Rb2wIj1WiavJ8zs~D46EsBRt9WSG1GhcJtWUu3cE-bE1b5uBycxeonAm3OjptlzSEnC3hsfCyx-zppot~Su-9xLfawdvwTDQYz5KmyB3RVGcZVGaMwI6fizF1RU-yYFBtTQGPa6TNpx7QwuE9S0gLXocrh~HUIEAFjdsknlvjjbaGpbj2VIHMfxOhYYwmIqf2zrYMAgu38xUY43h6xibnfw~kKQ6pNi7ggw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Board members raised safety concerns at the July 3 meeting about electric motorcycles, mini‑bikes and throttle‑powered devices operating on Keller hike‑and‑bike trails and asked staff to seek guidance from the Keller Police Department on enforcement and signage.

Tom, a park board member, described repeated incidents of small electric motorcycles and mini‑bikes traveling at speed on trails and said his wife and other walkers have encountered them. He told the board his observation that some devices have no pedals and look like small motorcycles. “If it doesn't have pedals, it's not allowed,” he said in the course of the meeting when describing the difference between pedal‑assist electric bicycles and throttle‑powered mini‑bikes.

Staff and board members noted inconsistent signage. A parks staff member said current park rule signs vary; some read “no unauthorized motor vehicles” while others say “no motorized vehicles.” The staff member summarized the operational rule on the Park & Rec signage: “On this deal right now, it does say motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails.”

Enforcement and next steps: board members agreed enforcement will require input from the police department and suggested staff and board members speak with the chief. One board member said police had previously had extensive conversations with council about golf cart rules and suggested a similar process might be needed for trail vehicles. A parks staff member said he will reach out to the chief and to staff contacts to clarify distinctions between electric bicycles, throttle‑powered scooters and electric mini‑bikes and to assess enforcement options.

Discussion vs. decision: the meeting included discussion and a commitment to consult police; there was no change to trail rules or new ordinance adopted at the meeting.

What’s next: staff will consult Keller Police Department about enforcement, review signage wording for consistency, and return to the board with recommended clarifications and potential changes to signage and enforcement procedures.","Board members and staff discussed ambiguity in trail rules and enforcement after multiple reports of electric mini‑bikes and motorcycles using hike‑and‑bike trails; staff said signage wording is inconsistent and the police department will need to weigh in on enforcement.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City, developer and neighbors negotiate Mount Gilead–Roanoke trail easements; council set 18‑month escrow condition

Keller Sports Park work 73% complete; full park construction expected to finish in January

City staff reports record membership at Keller Point, new boxing club partnership and strong turnout at Keller Lights

Park board explores user agreements, access control and equine‑specific rules for new arena

Board hears calls to clarify trail rules after reports of electric mini‑bikes and motorcycles on Keller trails