On Jan. 8, 2020, the Balch Springs Community and Economic Development Corporation (Type B) approved funding for a fitness shade structure at Woodland Park, 14404 Horseshoe Trail, selecting a lower-cost metal option and forwarding the recommendation to the City Council for final approval.

The board considered two vendor proposals: an all-metal, powder-coated frame priced at about $115,000 and a less-expensive metal option using C-channel framing priced at about $74,920.55. Public Services staff member Mr. Freeman, who presented the options, recommended the lower-cost metal design. "My recommendation is that we go with the less expensive one, the $74,000," Freeman said, arguing the material differences do not affect the structure’s ability to provide shade and that cheaper components could be painted in-house if desired.

Board members discussed vandalism to the previous cloth-covered structure and noted the need for a more durable solution. The presentation noted the previous fabric canopy performed well until it was cut by a vandal; the selected metal option is intended to be harder to damage.

Board member Helen Shelby moved to approve the fitness shade structure not to exceed $74,920.55; Kelvin Hill seconded. The secretary called the roll: Katicia Brunner — yes; Rick Brumfield — yes; Wanda Adams — yes; Helen Shelby — yes; Kelvin Hill — yes. The motion passed unanimously. The board directed staff to forward the recommendation to the City Council, likely in February, for final action.

Funding for the purchase and installation was described in the presentation as coming from Public Services/maintenance funds. No construction schedule or vendor name was finalized in the board discussion; staff said the recommendation will be forwarded to the council for their consideration and contract execution.

The board’s approval is a recommendation to the City Council; the City Council must take final action before the contract can be executed.