Waco unveils design for $25 million Ford KC Park with large inclusive playground, creek restoration

The Waco City Council received a final design update Jan. 21 for the Ford KC Park, a roughly $25.5 million park project the city plans to build on approximately 30 acres adjacent to the Floyd Casey development. Parks Director Jonathan Cook told council the project is designed as a regional destination that restores and integrates Waco Creek, provides a large “great lawn” and performance plaza, and centers a substantial all‑abilities playground and water features. Cook said construction documents were scheduled to be complete in February and staff is aiming to begin construction in May or June 2025 with an anticipated 12–15 month construction period.

The plan groups park features into three main sections: an upgraded track and field area with improved infield and restrooms; a central plaza with a splash/water feature and adjoining great lawn meant for festivals and temporary staging; and a central, multi‑zone playground area designed for a wide range of physical and cognitive abilities. Cook described the playground as three themed play zones—imaginative play, arts/music hands‑on play, and movement/fitness—linked by accessible surfacing, shade structures and seating. He emphasized numerous accessible amenities, saying the design includes far more accessible elements than the minimum required for compliance.

Design details presented to council include a roughly 150‑foot pedestrian bridge over Waco Creek, wetlands and boardwalk overlooks intended to provide stormwater filtration and habitat value, a three‑tiered pavilion adaptable for small or large group rental, food‑truck areas, a mobile stage footprint for performances, a curated public art program at restroom/mural walls, and a water play area that combines spray, mist and fog effects for day‑ and nighttime activation. The park will also include an “all‑wheels” track intended for bicycles, scooters, wheelchair users and beginner skate users, plus multiuse sport courts that include basketball with an integrated futsal configuration and new pickleball courts.

Council members pressed on operations and staging. Cook said the park’s great lawn is sized to accept temporary staging and events such as community festivals. Several council members praised the project as a legacy and quality‑of‑life investment. Council Member Alicia Rodriguez said she first raised the idea as an inclusive park and expressed strong support for the expanded design that “became a park for everybody.”

Cook noted the project stems from the Floyd Casey master development agreement and that the parks team expects to move quickly through permitting and bidding so the park can proceed once council confirms funding. He said project updates and materials are posted at wacotexas.com/parks.

City staff intend community activation and interpretive elements to reflect the neighborhood’s history and Hispanic heritage and said they are coordinating the design with adjacent private development and the stadium area. The schedule presented estimates construction completion in late 2026 or fall 2026, depending on bid results and the permitting timeline.

If council or staff make changes to scope or schedule, staff said it will return with updated cost estimates or schedule implications. The presentation did not include a final construction contract or a council vote; it is a work‑session update and construction will require formal approvals and appropriation of funds before work begins.