Friday, Aug. 15, 2008

Flower Mound Board Recommends Several Projects to Council

Community Devlopment Board Hopes Town Will Work with Corps of Engineers on Property Development

By Adrian McCandless

Staff Writer

Flower Mound’s Community Development Corporation board members met on Tuesday and unanimously approved numerous projects to go before the Town Council for future action.

Parks and Recreation Director Jack Jones presented plans improving several playgrounds in Flower Mound. Jones presented a budget of $150,000 to make playground improvements and additions to the three acre Northshore Park at 3100 Wood Park Blvd. "There is no question that there is extra room to do what you are talking about — there is no question in my mind that the equipment needs to be replaced," board member Jeff Whittaker said.

Jones also presented a budgets of $100,000 to update playground equipment in the 25 acre Rustic Timbers Park and $150,000 to improve the 18 acre Jake’s Hilltop Park playground.

Jones said the playground at Jake’s Hilltop Park is vandalized occasionally and is frequently used by middle school students. He Jadded that amenities such as a rock-climbing wall will be durable for the older children.

"We’re thinking of a new concept park – more nature oriented," Jones said. "This is an area we can really do something really different – something that is unique for our community.

Jones also presented a budget of $100,000 to improve an equestrian trailhead at the end of Dunham Road in west Flower Mound.

"I know the number seems a little low, but we think we can do this project in-house and save the money that way," he said.

Jones added that the town has entered into an agreement with U.S. Amry Corps of Engineers allowing the town to construct trailheads and improve trails on corps property.

"We’ve talked to the Corps of Engineers … they haven’t approved the project yet, but they said they want an impervious surfaces," Jones said

Resident Todd Schreiber said he supports the town using untapped resource of the Corps of Engineers property all along the north side of Grapevine Lake.

"I am delighted to see that this is a first step forward … I hope we see more projects like this coming," Schreiber said.

Also approved was a $300,000 budget for the construction of the first phase of Bakersfield Park on the Wilson, Carmel and Ruff Tracts. It will include parking, the construction of an entryway, a duck pond and multi-use trails.