Mansfield Parks and Recreation February 2023

MANSFIELD PARKS & RECREATION

DEPARTMENT UPDATE

Mansfield Parks and Recreation has been awarded a $750,000 non-urban outdoor recreation grant for James McKnight Park West from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) During their meeting on January 26, TPWC approved $9.9 million in competitive grants for city and county park projects from across the state, funding 20 of 52 eligible requests.

This is the second Texas Parks and Wildlife grant for McKnight Park West (302 N Wisteria St ), whose initial development was funded by the state organization nearly 35 years ago While heavily used as a major trailhead for the Walnut Creek Linear Trail, the park has remained largely untouched since its opening and has no recreational opportunities for residents. In the 2020 Mansfield Parks and Recreation Master Plan, improvements to McKnight West were identified as the fourth highest priority for the southwest quadrant of the city based on community feedback and needs assessments. This project was the highest unfunded item on that list until today’s announcement.

Project highlights include an accessible, multi-age playground and swings and shade, Mansfield’s first disc golf course, pavilions, picnic tables and other park amenities, a looped walking trail with exercise equipment and a Walnut Creek Linear Trail expansion to Julian Feild Park.

The exact amenities and layout will be determined during the planning process and after a series of public engagement opportunities starting this spring to get current feedback from residents and stakeholders. No date has been set for the start of construction as the city and Texas Parks and Wildlife work to finalize the agreement.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission grant will be federally funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund, which requires a 50% matching contribution from the city The total cost for the improvements at James McKnight Park West are estimated at $2 1 million. The required matching funds for the grant will come from the city’s half-cent sales tax fund.

PARK PROJECT UPDATES

MCCLENDON PARK WEST

TARGET COMPLETION WINTER 2023

BUDGET $2.3 million

DESIGN FIRM Pacheco Koch

PROJECT MANAGER James Fish

FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC/GF COs

CONTRACTOR The Fain Group

SUMMARY This project includes replacing the underutilized softball field with two new basketball courts and adding a splash pad, new restroom building and expanded parking

CURRENT UPDATE Construction continues to work towards the project closeout. The last several weeks have posed some challenges with weather delays due to rain, sleet, mud and freezing temperatures The basketball project is 95% complete with final electrical service and turf establishment still remaining. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work inside the restroom pump house building is underway, and the walks and concrete surrounding the splash pad have been poured The block work for the restroom building has been delayed d h h S ff i ki i h b h l k h h d l

GERTIE BARRETT PARK

TARGET COMPLETION WINTER 2023

BUDGET $2 3 million

DESIGN FIRM Dunaway

PROJECT MANAGER James Fish

FUNDING SOURCE Park Fees/GF COs

CONTRACTOR The Fain Group

SUMMARY New neighborhood park for the northwest quadrant that includes a playground, splash pad, restrooms, parking, walking trail and open natural spaces.

CURRENT UPDATE Construction continues to work towards the project closeout The last several weeks have posed some challenges with weather delays due to rain, sleet, mud and freezing temperatures. Mechanical, electrical and plumbing work inside the restroom pump house building is underway, and the walks and concrete surrounding the splash pad have been poured. The block work for the restroom building has been delayed due to the weather, but is 95% complete The improvements to the private drive are underway as well Due to weather delays, the project completion will likely be extended into March.

GERTIE BARRETT PARK

WALNUT CREEK LINEAR TRAIL 3B

TARGET COMPLETION SUMMER 2024

BUDGET $3 million

PROJECT MANAGER James Fish

FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC/GF Bonds

DESIGN FIRM Kimley Horn and Associates CONTRACTOR TBD

SUMMARY This segment will extend from the recently completed trail at Cannon and Carlin Roads and create a connection to the entrance of Oliver Nature Park with a combination of added trails and expanded sidewalks along Matlock Road.

CURRENT UPDATE The scope of the project has been modified to include the grade separated crossing at the Walnut Creek bridge under Matlock Road This removes the traffic signal and associated trail work on the west side of Matlock north of the creek. Staff is coordinating the discussions through the EDC with the five private property owners where right-of-way acquisition will be needed Construction plans are nearing 30% complete, with advertisement and bidding anticipated for early summer with construction beginning in

KATHERINE ROSE MEMORIAL PARK

TARGET COMPLETION SPRING 2024

BUDGET $1.5 million

DESIGN FIRM Parkhill

PROJECT MANAGER James Fish

FUNDING SOURCE GF Certificates of Obligation

CONTRACTOR TBD

SUMMARY Katherine Rose Park is being reimagined to better fit the needs of a growing community The project includes a master plan of the space, including available nearby properties and parks, then a phase one plan to replace the playground with an inclusive signature playground, realign parking and relocate amenities.

CURRENT UPDATE Staff is reviewing cost estimates for the full master plan concept and a proposed phasing plan. Once the first phase is finalized, the consultant will begin developing the construction documents and overlay that project schedule with the upcoming Walnut Creek Drive vehicular bridge replacement project scheduled to begin this spring Staff is working with the management team on additional funding opportunities to expand the amenities that can be offered in the first phase to provide the remarkable experience for the citizens.

SKINNER SPORTS COMPLEX

TARGET COMPLETION various dates 2023

BUDGET $1.0 million

PROJECT MANAGER James Fish

FUNDING SOURCE MPFDC/GF Bonds

DESIGN FIRM MPARD Staff CONTRACTOR Various

SUMMARY Project will include fencing improvements and realignment, entryway updates, drop off and pickup improvements, a new entry plaza with new surfacing, an expanded restroom facility and more storage for baseball concessions.

CURRENT UPDATE Staff anticipates this to be a project that lasts through 2023 and potentially into 2024 depending on budget allocations All of the improvements are being planned to be completed during MYBA's off season as much as possible to provide as little disruption to their seasons as possible. Fencing and painting contractors were scheduled to begin on February 1, but winter weather has delayed the work until the week of February 13 Both contractors will still be attempting to have the work completed by the end of February if possible. Staff has contracte interior remodeling and imp have been received. Staff ha features (trees, benches and of the other features are in

PARK OPERATIONS

CURRENT UPDATE

Winterizing was needed for irrigation systems citywide. S throughout the city’s municipal grounds. Oliver Nature Park is getting new concrete pads for surface mounted benches in the park. The Town Park landscape beds got new boulders, mulch, moss, and planning materials. The Walnut Creek Linear Trail Concrete lips were grinded and low areas along the edge of the trails were filled in with dirt and grass seed. Chandler splash pad pre-season preparation has begun for the upcoming season. The Toby Goodman Pond wildflower area was roped off for the wildflowers to take root Julian Field wildflower and pollinator signs were added to meet the Mayor's Monarch Pledge requirements Ballfield lights, painting, and field prep took place to prepare for the upcoming spring season.

RECREATION SERVICES

Following the retirement of Suzanne Newman in December, Caprice Gollaway was promoted to Senior Services Supervisor to manage the Senior Lifestyles program at the MAC The nature education team will kick off The Great Backyard Bird Count goosechase game on February 13th to encourage the community to partake in scavenger hunts in nature. Stargazing with Astronomers was held on January 28th at Oliver Nature Park, allowing families to enjoy the park after dark while observing the stars, listening to storytime activities with library staff, and participating in make-and-take crafts and more.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

SOCIAL MEDIA

FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS 10,879

FACEBOOK REACH 66k

INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS 3,296

INSTAGRAM REACH 3k

EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS 4,174

EMAIL OPEN RATE 67%%

ONLINE PRESENCE

WEBSITE VISITS 4,197

AVG GOOGLE RATING 4.6

CURRENT UPDATE

The GROW For It challenge just wrapped up, with over 900 residents in the fitness challenge and attending the free weekly events. Participants ranged in age from one to 69, and racked up over 125,000 minutes of active time just this month! Feedback was incredibly positive, with residents excited for the challenge and motivation to stay healthy in the new year, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results Similar campaigns will continue throughout the year, with February focused on the ways our department offers welcoming programs, events and spaces to gather together!

02/18/23 Wild About Birds

02/18/23 Kids Zone After Dark

02/20/23 Rocket League E-Sports Tournament

02/20/23 Terrarium Workshop

02/20/23 Intro to Archery

02/22/23

Tutu 2.2mile Fun Run

02/24/23 MAC Family Friday: Chess, Checkers & Scrabble Tournament

02/25/23

02/25/23

02/25/23

02/26/23

03/03/23

03/04/23

03/10/23

03/11/23

Bird Watching Hike with a Naturalist

Nature Craft: Bird Feeders

Winter Chemistry

Nature Craft: Fairies & Flowers

SUPER Kids Family Night

Family Camping Trip at Cedar Hill State Park

Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament

Spring Break PLAY Days begin!

More details and registration at mansfieldparks.com