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Commissioners approve design contract for Horseshoe Trails park amid debate over master plan and costs
Summary
After debate over long-term maintenance and whether to pursue a full master plan, Midland County commissioners authorized design work with Dunaway for Phase 1 of the Horseshoe Trails Recreational Area; the vote included at least one recorded no and an abstention.
Midland County’s Commissioner’s Court voted July 15 to authorize a design agreement with Dunaway for Phase 1 of the Horseshoe Trails recreational area, approving design funds already budgeted while several commissioners urged caution about future costs.
County staff said the work would cover the park’s center core and is funded in the current fiscal year; construction could follow in one to two years. Commissioners questioned whether the county should instead fund a full master plan for the entire horseshoe footprint before committing $1 million for design of one portion. One commissioner said investing in a master plan would reduce the risk of reworking elements later; another noted the county has budget constraints and competing priorities.
Concerns included operations and maintenance costs, potential need for contractor or partner support for upkeep, and whether TxDOT or other partners might assist with rest-area maintenance. Despite the debate, a motion to authorize the Dunaway work proceeded and passed; at roll call a commissioner recorded a ‘nay’ and another commissioner stated an intent to abstain before ultimately voting against approval during the exchange.
Next steps: staff will execute the design authorization with Dunaway and continue outreach and planning while monitoring budget impacts and future site decisions.
