City Council approves $350K park upgrades including picnic pavilion and volleyball court

The Parks and Recreation Board meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Haslet, Texas, focused on several key projects aimed at enhancing local parks and recreational facilities. The meeting began with discussions regarding improvements to the Gamble Park area, which will include drainage work, trail reconstruction, and erosion protection for water crossings. A reinforced concrete slab for a new picnic pavilion is also part of the project, which will feature an additional park bench and two shade structures. The contractor is expected to provide a construction schedule soon, with completion anticipated by mid-September.

Concerns were raised about potential disruptions to the Fourth of July celebration due to construction activities. Board members were assured that the contractor would minimize interference during the event. The total cost for the project is approximately $350,001.94, excluding the direct purchase of the pavilion, which is estimated at $25,000.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the Veterans Memorial Garden ahead of Memorial Day. New granite rock is being added to enhance the garden's appearance, and recent work has included resetting bricks and leveling the underlayment. However, the contractor for the garden redesign has not responded to outreach efforts, prompting the board to seek recommendations from architectural firms for landscape designers.

Additionally, the board discussed the sand volleyball court, which is set to receive an additional three inches of sand to improve playability. This work is expected to be completed within two weeks, and measures will be taken to ensure the edges are properly maintained to prevent grass from encroaching into the sand area.

Overall, the meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to improve recreational facilities in Haslet, with a focus on community engagement and maintaining the quality of local parks. Future updates on these projects will be provided as they progress.