Commissioner reports findings from Dallas–Fort Worth parks and sports-complex visits

Commissioner Gerald updated the Mayor and Board Commissioners on a multi-day site visit last week to parks in Midwest City and the Dallas–Fort Worth area, saying a group of about 14–15 people left early Wednesday morning, toured Midwest City, then several sites in the Dallas–Fort Worth region and returned after visiting multiple facilities through Friday.

"It was very illuminating to see all those facilities," Commissioner Gerald said, describing the delegation's observations about design choices and maintenance issues that could inform local planning.

Gerald said the group toured one Midwest City site, a park in the Dallas–Fort Worth area and multiple other venues: five facilities on the second day and two on the final day. He said the commissioners prepared and circulated a slideshow of photographs and notes to fellow commissioners ahead of the meeting.

Attendees noted recurring design features across sites. Artificial turf was common but varied: some infields used darker turf, while other fields used lighter, sand-colored surfaces that the presenters said stayed cooler than terracotta-colored surfacing and showed less wear. Gerald said the delegation observed that terracotta-colored surfacing tended to discolor and show black marks as it aged.

Commissioners also reported different approaches to spectator and player amenities. They saw two main types of sunshade canopies—canvas tops and hard tops—and noted dye/fade concerns with brighter colors such as red and blue; tan and black were described as visually more durable. Several parks had combination buildings housing restrooms and concessions with plaza areas and public art elements.

The group described backstop and dugout designs they observed. Many backstops used chain-link fencing; other venues used newer black mesh netting. Dugouts varied between chain-link–enclosed bench areas and three-sided concrete block designs; one locality chose concrete block to provide greater separation between players/coaches and spectators.

Delegation members flagged maintenance and user-behavior issues seen on site visits. The slideshow and commentary noted that netting can be damaged when users attach cameras or other items, and that some parks posted signs restricting such attachments to preserve nets. Gerald also mentioned that staff and attendees who participated in the trip had documented photos and details for the slideshow.

Gerald said Midwest City recently built a three-plex and indicated that city planned to add three more fields at that site. He suggested the commissioners review the slideshow for design and maintenance considerations as the Mayor and board continue planning for local sports facilities.

The slideshow and photographs will remain available to commissioners; Gerald said the group will compile observed items for discussion at a future public meeting.