A Dallas city council committee on Tuesday is set to deliberate the Park Service’s massive $399 million request for public improvement bonds.
That’s a huge challenge as other needs in Dallas compete for much of the $1 billion bond referendum scheduled for 2024.
We will see improvements in park planning everywhere in the city.
One example is Growweiler Park on Harry Hines Boulevard in northwest Dallas.
Families were enjoying the spray ground there on a hot Labor Day, but the swimming pool was closed and not just for the holidays.
A closure notice was posted on the pool door and visitors were directed to other pools.
The Glowailer is one of seven pools in Dallas that are past their useful life, according to the park’s security deposit plan.
Under the warranty plan, each will receive $5 million for repairs and upgrades.
“We need it because so many people come here,” said Alexander Gonzalez, translating from Spanish to his grandfather, Francisco Garcia, who lives next door to the park.
Glowweiler’s Recreation Center will receive $20 million in total renovations and upgrades.
Not only is this rec center one of nine properties in the bond plan that scored very high in terms of need, it is also included in the city’s new equity policy, which focuses on underserved areas. ing.
Visitor Stephen McClellan was disappointed to learn that the recreation center was closed for the Labor Day holiday.
“I come here a lot and I hope they improve it,” McClellan said. “If you ask me, it’s a great investment. I use it all the time.
Park Bond’s funding plans also include larger projects.
The dredging of White Rock Lake would provide a $20 million bond for another $60 million in federal funding.
The Dallas Zoo will receive a $30 million bond for improvements as it raises an additional $70 million from zoo funding.
Southern Gateway Park, located outside the zoo over I-35E RL Thornton Expressway, will receive a $15 million bond from the Southern Gateway Foundation, equating to an additional $72 million.
Kiesto Park is one of three tennis centers in Dallas with $5 million in deposits each to add indoor courts.
The $399 million request also includes golf courses, playgrounds and other park facilities across the city.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson helped launch the Dallas Parks Coalition last week to campaign for a park-wide bond bill.
“We wanted to make sure the park was front and center,” Johnson said.
During his inaugural address, which kicks off his second four-year term in June, Johnson said making Dallas the best park system in the state is one of his top three priorities.
Stephen McClellan, who visited Growailer, said he supports spending on the park.
“Especially in areas like this, a lot of people, like children, are kept off the streets. If they have nothing to do, they will find something to do,” McClellan said.
Efforts to gain the support of the Dallas City Council needed to win the majority of parks funding in the 2024 bond referendum explain the first meeting of the newly formed Parks, Trails and Environment City Council Committee on Tuesday. Start with a meeting.
Dallas’ other big needs, such as security, streets, public works and affordable housing, are also vying for much of the $1 billion bond referendum.
The new Dallas Equity Plan also affects which locations receive funding.
Dallas police and fire department pension issues limit how much the city can borrow in bonds for public improvements.