Public Works Director Jennifer Ward told the Dallas City Council July 7 that work on parks and recreation goals is underway, including lighting upgrades, trail connections and expanded programming.

“We have already replaced the lights in that parking lot along Walnut,” Ward said, and added that a number of lights in City Park’s older side have been replaced with about 15 more scheduled for this fiscal year to restore functioning lighting.

Ward said trail connections remain a long-term project, noting the completed segments were the “easy ones” and that remaining sections are either technically difficult or require coordination with private landowners or future development. She said the Fir Villa section at the eastern terminus is scheduled as a capital-improvement project next fiscal year and that design work is complete for the Mill section that will pick up past the dog park and carry into downtown.

On recreation programming, Ward said the city will expand summer camp from three weeks this year to five weeks starting at the end of the month, and that staff are negotiating new uses for the party room at the aquatic center. She also confirmed the planned pickleball facility: “10 at the new site at City Park, and then, of course, we'll retain the ones that we have over by Roger Jordan already,” Ward said.

Councilors asked about a formal dedication for John Barnard Park. Ward said a dedication is planned and that, because of funding from the Veil Blazers, the city anticipates an event likely in September once she confirms a firmer completion date.

Ward said promotion of recreation opportunities is coordinated with the city’s communications specialist and partners such as the Dallas Downtown Association; the city issues an activities guide, uses social media and includes updates in the city newsletter. She invited ideas for additional venues or uses for underutilized spaces in city facilities.

Next steps: replace remaining park lights this fiscal year, proceed with Fir Villa trail CIP next fiscal year, finalize design work on the Mill section, open expanded summer camps, and continue planning the pickleball courts installation.