Balch Springs EDC approves Oak Ridge parking expansion and Godberry Park fence upgrades

The Balch Springs Economic Development Corporation on Nov. 12 approved two capital expenditures to improve park access and repair storm-damaged infrastructure. The board authorized up to $250,000 for a 30-space parking-lot expansion at Oak Ridge Park, 14201 Spring Oak Drive, and up to $38,695 for fence upgrades at Godberry Park, 2300 Sheila Drive, contracting both projects to CCGMG LLC, Series B, through the BuyBoard cooperative.

City staff presented the Oak Ridge proposal as a budgeted FY25–26 project and recommended moving forward with construction to address increased park usage following recent amenity additions. “This is a budgeted project as you guys know of last year,” said Mister Dizer, the staff presenter, noting the city allocated $250,000 but the recommended contract amount is about $199,000 “which would include maintenance bonds.” Mr. Freeman, representing public services, told the board the improvements respond to consistent overflow parking and will prevent visitors from parking on turf, which the staff said violates city code.

Board members asked about procurement and vendor selection. Staff said the recommended contractor is a BuyBoard-registered firm; BuyBoard, a purchasing cooperative, is an exception to the local three-bid competitive-bidding requirement and allows the city to “piggyback” on previously solicited contracts. “BuyBoard has already bid stuff out,” a staff member said, explaining the legal procurement path. Staff confirmed the contractor has done prior work in Balch Springs.

On the Godberry fence upgrade, staff described recent storm damage, creek-borne debris and erosion that bent poles and displaced fencing. They said repairs will include heavier poles, improved top-rail attachments and localized erosion control such as riprap. “We’re going to put up thicker poles,” staff said, adding that, because the park sits in a floodplain, flood-proofing is not feasible but the upgrades should reduce recurring damage.

Helen Shelby moved to approve both funding items (Oak Ridge parking and Godberry fence); the motions were seconded and passed unanimously, with yes votes recorded from Rick Brumfield, Wanda Adams, Helen Shelby, Kelvin Hill and Christopher Watson. The contracts will be overseen by city staff and, if change orders are needed, staff will return to the board for approval.

The board’s action authorizes staff to proceed with contracting and implementation; no public speakers addressed these items during the hearing.