Overview
In May 2014 the City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Renewal Program. As of January 1, 2016, most construction and renovation work has been complete, with a few small projects to be finished this coming spring. More information on specific park improvements can be found by following the links to the Projects By Location, in the column on the left.
Facility Improvements
Six new park buildings were constructed at Autumn Grove, Lexington, Oasis, Rosebrook, Sandcastle, and Villa Parks. In Central Park, three picnic shelters were refurbished (FOR Parks Shelter at Dale Street W, Victoria East Ball fields shelter and the Foundation Shelter at Victoria West). The Harriet Alexander Nature Center received an interior make-over, HVAC and lighting improvements. The Skating Center exterior was painted along with related interior and exterior repairs and upgrades.
Park Improvements Natural resources restoration projects are taking place in many of the parks; this work will be on-going. Three bridges were replaced at Villa Park and a new boardwalk was installed at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center. The lighting was upgraded on the pedestrian path around Lake Bennett in Central Park. Sidewalks were constructed on County Road B2 from Lexington to Rice Street and along Victoria from County Road B to County Road C, and park pathways were refurbished at a number of neighborhood parks. Irrigation replacement and upgrade improvements were made to selected parks and play fields.
Recreation Improvements
New playgrounds were built in several parks with valued assistance from volunteers at Community Builds. Lighting and control system upgrades were made at six tennis courts, four rinks, and two basketball courts. The tennis courts were refurbished at a number of parks, as were three basketball courts. Field improvements were made at Central Park Dale West (Legion Baseball Field), Central Park Victoria East Softball Field Complex and Evergreen Park. The disc golf course at Acorn Park underwent significant improvements.