Denton City Council on Oct. 21 adopted an ordinance making the findings required under chapter 26 to permit the change in use of approximately 9.4 acres of city parkland in South Lakes Park to construct recreation facilities for Denton Independent School District (DISD).

City staff said the change would authorize use of park property adjacent to MacMath Middle School to consolidate track and field and related recreation facilities that DISD has used and maintained under a long-standing agreement. Gary Patterson, speaking for Parks and Recreation, told the council the district has used and maintained the city property since 1998 and that the proposed transaction would be “convenient for the students” and would not require busing if approved.

The ordinance adoption is limited to the statutory findings required by the staff presentation and the public hearing. The item record and presentation stated the council must (1) find there is “no feasible and prudent alternative” to the change in use of the 9.4 acres and (2) find that all reasonable planning has been done to minimize harm to the park. Staff said the Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board recommended approval in early October.

In the presentation, staff said the parcel being considered is currently open to the public outside school hours and that DISD would fence and rent some improved elements (the track) while maintaining open space and trails for public use. Staff also said the land transfer would increase the city’s neighborhood-park accessibility by an estimated 2.1%, bringing approximately 3,200 residents within a half-mile (a 10-minute walk) of a neighborhood park, per the city’s accessibility analysis summarized in the agenda packet.

Councilmember Beck moved approval of the ordinance “as presented by staff”; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote, recorded as six ayes, zero nays. The council and staff stated that a separate interlocal agreement between the City of Denton and DISD would be brought forward for council consideration and that a closing is anticipated in 2026.

The action taken by council was limited to the Chapter 26 findings and did not authorize specific construction or detailed design changes; staff said any physical improvements would be part of a later phase subject to further approvals. The parks presentation noted that improvements to the site would be designed to city standards and that the city would continue to partner with DISD on shared use of facilities.

Council and staff recorded no additional legal requirements or other statutes during the vote beyond the Chapter 26 process referenced at the hearing.

Next steps listed in the presentation: council consideration of an interlocal agreement, followed by a closing (staff estimated closing in 2026) and later review/approval of any specific improvement plans.