Title
Discuss updates on the Squire Park Project.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Councilwoman Lupe Gonzalez
BACKGROUND:
The City of Farmers Branch continues to advance its commitment to enhancing public spaces, delivering high-quality amenities, fostering community engagement, and ensuring equitable access to recreation across all neighborhoods.
In 2021, the City initiated an evaluation of potential funding mechanisms and opportunities to support the renovation of Squire Park in response to feedback gathered through a community survey distributed to residents to identify desired improvements. This early engagement helped establish project priorities and guided preliminary planning efforts. Bond opportunities were explored 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.
The Parks and Recreation Department conducted various community outreach efforts from April 15 to June 27, 2025, to better understand local priorities for Squire Park's redevelopment. Engagement included an online survey, a virtual community meeting, and two in-person sessions held at Vivan Field Middle School and one at Squire Park.
A total of 149 online survey responses were received. A total of 99 residents attended the public outreach events, either remotely or in person. Community feedback consistently identified a walking trail, a splash pad, and playground upgrades as the most highly desired improvements. Additional input highlighted the shaded pavilion space and lighting improvements as secondary interests, while the addition of a basketball court received moderate, but less significant, support.
Development Timeline:
* August 19, 2025: Staff reviewed the outreach findings with the City Council.
* September 16, 2025: Staff reviewed with the City Council a "menu" of items to be considered for the project. Direction was given to move forward with secu...
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