Haslet outlines parks, trails and community gardens plans; awaits federal construction funding

City of Haslet leaders on March 25 reviewed park and trail projects, the fire station property, and a federal funding request for a farmers market and community teaching kitchen.

The mayor said the city owns about 18 acres for future park use near the fire station; roughly one-third of the acreage is developed. Staff reported that sewer lines are being extended to serve the fire station and will run along the south side of the property. The mayor said a permanent restroom facility for the fire station is budgeted and that the city is considering athletic fields and other amenities on undeveloped portions of the site.

Officials also updated commissioners on planned repairs to the TAP Trail where water overtops sidewalks near FM 156. Bids for those trail repairs and associated park projects (including a picnic pavilion near the small playground) went out March 1, with staff expecting contractor selection and work to be complete by mid-September this year.

On the farmers market and community teaching kitchen, the mayor said Haslet requested $2.3 million in congressional project funding for construction; the mayor described that amount as a construction-only request and said architectural and engineering costs would come from the city budget. "That 2.3 does not pay for the architectural engineering. It pays for construction only," he said. Staff said they have an architect line-item in the FY budget and will begin design and engineering soon so the city can expend funds within 12 months if the appropriation is approved.

The mayor also noted the community discussed relaxing ordinances to allow backyard chickens; he reported that the topic was brought up informally and will require ordinance change if pursued. No formal ordinance change or land acquisition was approved at the meeting; staff will continue design and procurement steps pending available funding and council direction.