Parks department reports facility projects, programs and pilot initiatives in summer update

Parks and recreation staff provided a broad summer update Aug. 18, reporting progress on capital and maintenance projects, increased program participation and several pilot programs designed to boost park activation.

Why it matters: The update provides the board context for near-term project scheduling, potential funding shortfalls and opportunities to increase park use and revenue without adding major operating burdens.

Key project and program highlights reported by staff:

- Capital and maintenance: Unity Park baseball-field fencing work is complete; basketball-court construction framing and steel are underway with an expected October completion; a Kids Castle restroom sewer break was repaired and temporary facilities were used during repairs.

- Erosion/Gabion project: Staff reported that a planned erosion-control (Gabion basket) project at the Unity fishing pier may be delayed or shelved because of cost escalation; the engineer recommended completing the whole scope, which requires more funding.

- New equipment and efficiencies: The department acquired a new baseball-field groomer and a robotic field painter that reduced crew time; a robotic mower for a fenced dog park is being deployed to cut overnight labor demand.

- Programs and participation: KidVenture summer camp served 192 campers over eight weeks (about 48% Highland Village residents) and generated just under $10,000 in revenue — an increase of about 97% from the prior year. Cooking and babysitting camps sold out. The department reported approximately 300 front-counter visits per month and increasing reservations for evening and weekend facility use.

- Pilot and activation ideas: Staff described exploratory partnerships for an inflatable “wozone” water-park platform at Copperas Branch and Pilot Knoll (operator-supplied inflatables, short-term seasonal deployment). Staff also introduced a pilot youth fishing safety and access program: five collapsible fishing-backpack kits would be awarded to youths who submit a photo and basic information showing a fish caught in Lake Lewisville, promoting safety and encouraging proper handling while commuting to fishing sites.

- Other items: Staff extended splash-pad weekday hours into the school year; senior programming and trips expanded and are near capacity; staff continue pond and irrigation maintenance and small upgrades across park sites.

Next steps: Staff will continue design and construction scheduling, evaluate alternatives for the Unity pier erosion project given cost increases, deploy pilot programs (wozone discussions and fishing backpacks) and report back to the board on outcomes and sponsorship opportunities.

Ending: The board praised staff’s work on maintenance efficiencies and growing program engagement and encouraged staff to pursue sponsorships and partnerships where possible.