Farmers Branch parks board previews Squire Park alternatives, confirms additional Mercer funding
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Summary
The Parks & Recreation Board heard project updates showing Squire Park design at 40% and the Mercer Park design expanded after a $1 million boost; staff said Squire will return to the board in February with alternative design options and invited public feedback before finalizing plans.
The Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation Board heard progress updates on several capital park projects and funding at its most recent meeting. Staff reported Squire Park is about 40% through design and will come back to the board in February with alternative options for review; the board was asked to provide feedback before design completion.
Staff also said Mercer Park recently received an additional $1,000,000 from the council’s year-end fund balance to expand design work to the south portion, allowing a full north-and-south concept. Staff described the additional Squire Park allocation as $300,000, bringing Squire’s budget to roughly $1.3 million; Mercer’s total was described as about $2.1 million. Staff characterized those budget figures as approximate and said they will provide final accounting later.
Dutch Village’s grand reopening was moved to March 17, with a morning ribbon-style celebration planned. Board members asked staff to include public outreach and sign-off steps in the February packet so members and residents can review alternatives before a design recommendation.
Board members emphasized balancing water use and tree canopy in new designs. One member noted recent city-wide water-conservation messaging and urged designers to consider “trees and water” optics when evaluating features such as fountains or water elements.
Votes at a glance: the board approved the meeting minutes by motion (mover: Jan Wooldridge; second: David Jones) and later adjourned by motion; both procedural items passed with the board voting "Aye."
