Farmers Branch maps Mercer Park phases; city budgets $1 million for initial work

Council received an update Dec. 10 on Mercer Park—s status and phasing from Parks and Recreation Director Robert Diaz.

Diaz said the developer installed a trail and some benches and that the city acquired the property; staff is preparing to finish the southern portion of the park by installing irrigation, trees and sod. "We're preparing to go and start the irrigation work and install of trees on the southern portion of the park," Diaz said, and noted that contractors would complete that work through the winter into the spring.

For the northern portion, staff proposed hiring Tignall and Perkins (the master-plan consultant) to produce construction documents for Phase 2, which would include pickleball, tennis and potentially basketball courts along with lighting and hardscape. Diaz said design could be under contract in January and that a 3-to-6 month design period would permit bidding in late 2025, with construction potentially beginning in late 2025 or early 2026. The city—s budget for Mercer Park work is $1,000,000; developer-installed infrastructure reduces the city—s obligations.

Council discussed playground placement, potential inclusion of a pavilion and how to budget for a full-scope Phase 3; staff said any additional amenities beyond the current $1,000,000 would be part of future CIP or require new funding.

Next steps: staff will bring a consultant contract for Phase 2 back to council (anticipated January) and, following design, provide cost estimates and options for phasing and funding.