Title
Receive an update on the Squire and Mercer Park projects.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Parks and Recreation Department
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch continues to invest in public spaces that provide high-quality amenities, strengthen community engagement, and expand equitable access to recreation throughout the community.
Squire Park
In 2021, the City began evaluating potential funding mechanisms and opportunities to support the renovation of Squire Park in response to feedback from a community survey distributed to residents to identify desired improvements. This early engagement helped establish project priorities and guided preliminary planning efforts. The City explored bond opportunities in 2022 and 2024 to help fund the project. However, funds were ultimately approved in the Fiscal Year 2023-24 and 2024-25 operating budgets and supplemented in November 2025 with surplus funds.
In April 2026, staff presented a design update for Squire Park for City Council review. Council noted the following during that review: a possible soccer area instead of a pickleball court, use of the community to complete small projects in the park, and seeking business partnerships to contribute to the project cost.
Mercer Park
Mercer Park has remained an active design since late 2025. The project concept was developed through prior resident outreach and community engagement efforts conducted in 2022, which established the framework for the current design and programming elements. The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed both the initial and updated designs and, at its May 21, 2026, meeting, recommended moving forward with the concepts and proceeding with the project. The project supports the City’s broader goals related to neighborhood investment, quality-of-life enhancements, recreational accessibility, and the activation of community gathering spaces. Current funding covers a majority of the park's most prominent features, such as the playground, pavilion, and pickleball courts.
In June 2026, staff presented a design update for Mercer Park to the City Council for review. Council noted the following: staff should look at noise barriers for the pickleball court, possibly remove the tennis court from the design, and review future maintenance costs.
At the May 19, 2026, City Council Meeting, the City Council approved Ordinance 4004 authorizing the use of Fund Balance from the FY25 Budget for a reserve amount of $1,480,000 for use for Squire and Mercer Parks.
DISCUSSION:
Both Squire and Mercer Park projects are nearing 100% design completion in preparation for bidding in the fall of 2026. Staff is seeking final direction on design and budget to finalize preparations for bidding on each project.
Squire Park
Current Budget $1,300,000
Current Balance $1,143,450
Current Estimated Budget $1,120,000
Base Amenities Include:
New playground and swings
Basketball and sport court
Security lighting
Additional possible amenities:
• Shade Canopy for playground $150,000
• Turf for soccer area $135,000
• 20’x40’ Pavilion $125,000
• Trail Lighting (Solar) $100,000
Mercer Park
Current Budget $2,100,000
Current Balance $1,637,510
Current Estimated Budget $1,606,795
Base Amenities Include:
New playground/swings/shade
3 pickleball courts
Security lighting
Basketball court
20’x20’ park pavilion
Additional possible amenities:
• Shade for pickleball court area $20,000
• Park ID sign $20,000
• Tennis Court with lighting $360,000
Based on feedback from meetings earlier this year, staff are seeking final input on the elements for each park so they can complete the construction documents. Completing the construction documents and specifications book will then allow staff to bid on the projects this fall.
DISTRICT:
Districts 2 and 3
FISCAL IMPACT:
Budgeted financial impact of $1,300,000 for Squire Park and $2,100,000 for Mercer Park in the FY 25-26 budget.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Presentation