Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks and Recreation board highlights trailhead, Barkyard and Allen Station playground projects
Summary
Luke Hollingsworth, chair of the Parks and Recreation Board, reviewed the board’s year, including Molson Farm Trailhead nearing completion, the well-used Barkyard dog park, the Allen Station Playground slated to open in late spring with a turf vs. pour-in-place comparison, CAPRA re-accreditation, and plans tied to the Ford Park master plan.
Luke Hollingsworth, chair of the Allen Parks and Recreation Board, presented the board’s annual report to the council, outlining the board’s work in the past year and upcoming priorities.
Hollingsworth said the board also serves as the Allen Tree Board and that members participate on citywide project teams such as the Backyard artist-selection panel. He said the Molson Farm Trailhead (referred to in the presentation as Molson/Moleson Farm Trailhead) is expected to be completed soon but that a firm opening date was “not specified.” Hollingsworth described the Barkyard dog park as “very well received” since its ribbon-cutting and said the facility is in growing use.
Hollingsworth told the council the Allen Station Playground is scheduled to open in late spring. He highlighted that the project will, for the first time in the city’s parks program, provide a side-by-side comparison of turf and pour-in-place surfacing to gather real-world data about what performs best for future projects.
The board reviewed ADA outcomes, a sport-court study intended to inform future facility decisions, and the Ford Park master plan update. Hollingsworth noted the department earned CAPRA reaccreditation and regional awards, praised staff for receiving an ASA Partner of the Year recognition, and said the board is the local host for the TRAPS state conference (noted as a first for Allen). Hollingsworth also referenced collaboration with the Allen Parks Foundation and the Allen Sports Association.
Hollingsworth said on-site meetings and facility tours remain part of board practice; they meet at different properties to review projects in context. He also outlined upcoming priorities including finalizing the Ford Park master plan recommendations, continuing the Molson Trailhead work, and replacing the Celebration Park playground.
No council action was taken on the annual report. Hollingsworth thanked the council and staff for support.
