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Richland Hills details parks upgrades, library gains and 75th‑anniversary plans
Summary
Parks and library directors reported ongoing renovations (K Baker Park, Rosebud Park), recreation center revenue and programs, library accreditation and usage gains, and outlined a calendar of events for Richland Hills’ 75th anniversary.
Parks & Recreation Director Eric Valdez and Library Director Chantel Hancock presented departmental achievements and upcoming plans.
Valdez said the parks maintenance team is small but the city has invested more than $700,000 over five years in park amenities. He reported K Baker Park renovation is about 80% complete, Rosebud Park is entering the bid-award phase, and the recreation center continues to rely on three primary revenue streams (child-care programs, facility rentals and memberships). Valdez also said Sun Pools is finishing repairs on the water feature and staff plan park‑site Wi‑Fi and trail-expansion work.
Hancock said the library retained state accreditation and increased checkouts to nearly 40,000 items in the year—an increase of 177% over 2023—and reported visits rose by about 15%. Library programs include ARP tax-prep assistance, summer reading, teen and adult programs, and a therapy dog program that supports reading and senior programming.
Both directors encouraged residents to complete the city’s 2025 citizen survey and to attend community events tied to the city’s 75th anniversary, including a bike tour, a citywide scavenger hunt and a Sept. 27 celebration with a 1950s theme.
