Council approves $200,000 grant application for Argonne Nature Trail improvements

The Argyle Town Council on Sept. 15 approved a resolution authorizing application for up to $200,000 in reimbursement funding from Denton County Development District No. 4 to support construction of the Argonne Nature Trail.

Parks staff presented feasibility plans from Westwood showing a preferred quarter-mile loop alignment and alternatives. Staff asked for a reimbursement grant through the district to supplement the town's planned $250,000 allocation; the draft application requests $200,000 and, if awarded, would allow higher-end features such as brick-paver entrances and lighting.

Why it matters: The project aims to create a destination trail with improved access, preserved mature trees and optional amenities (lighting, monument elements, veterans memorial). Staff said the grant is reimbursement-only: the town would pay construction costs up front and receive reimbursement if the application is successful.

Presentation and design choices Harrison, the staff presenter on parks and trails, summarized Westwood's tree survey and concept plans and noted the committee's preference for a quarter-mile loop with brick paver entry points and a concrete loop. Staff reviewed material options and a cost estimate showing a base price for the quarter-mile loop plus alternates for lighting and other amenities.

Staff said the full grant request assumes a $457,000 project total (plan includes $147,000 for lighting) and that without the grant the town would remove the lighting alternate and pursue a less-costly alignment (for example, decomposed granite or concrete) to match available funding. Harrison noted Westwood will do a more-focused topographic survey of the trail alignment rather than a full-property survey to save money and allow alternative alignments around trees to preserve specimen oaks.

Council questions and next steps A councilmember asked whether the town would know whether it was "entitled" to the $200,000 before committing to a construction method; staff replied the development district meets Oct. 6 and that award decisions would be known before the town went to bid. Staff said the town would still need to pay costs up front; the district reimburses awarded amounts after work is complete.

Council approved the grant application by motion and second. Staff said the parks committee will continue to refine alignment and fundraising plans; staff proposed exploring a Friends of Argyle Parks or Argyle Parks Foundation to accept donations and support park amenities.

Ending Staff said they hope to complete topographic survey work this fall and, pending a grant award and fundraising, aim to start construction in winter (when tree clearing is preferable in some circumstances). Councilmember support was unanimous.