Rowlett council pauses plan to site municipal complex on Hereford Park, orders alternatives study

The Rowlett City Council voted unanimously Feb. 3 to pause consideration of locating the city’s municipal complex at Hereford Park and directed staff to prepare a transparent evaluation of alternative sites for some or all municipal facilities.

Mayor (acting) framed the motion as an attempt to “rebuild trust” after months of public concern, and said he recommended “pausing the parkland decision and directing staff to evaluate alternative sites” and a multi-month public engagement process. Councilmember Bridal moved the action; Councilmember Bowers seconded it and the motion passed on a unanimous voice vote.

The decision came after a prolonged citizen-input period in which dozens of residents urged the council to preserve park amenities that were funded or promised by prior ballot measures. Speakers noted bond-funded park plans and said locating a public safety building, detention area or other municipal facilities on Hereford Park would contradict what voters approved. Several speakers repeated the request that the council “look at alternative sites” and provide a clear timeline for public engagement.

The council also withdrew the Chapter 26 resolution that would have considered the taking and use of approximately 9.38 acres of Hereford Park under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code sections 26.001–26.002; the city attorney stated that any future action under Chapter 26 would require a new public hearing. The mayor said a likely public engagement window to evaluate alternatives would be three to six months, and that staff should return with a side-by-side assessment using consistent criteria (operations, cost, utilities, schedule and community impact).