Council gets park update
More funds possible from state park fund
By Lori Mellinger editor@bullardnews.com

A Texas Parks and Wildlife representative paid a visit to the City of Bullard recently to inspect work done via a 50-50 grant.

In 2005, the state agency awarded $50,000 - with the stipulation the city would match it - either in money or in-kind donations for an entire renovation of O.L. Ferrell Park.

Since then, the park has received an entire facelift - with new equipment and stonework done on the pavilion - all thanks to the grant and community support.

Councilwoman Pam Frederick - who's been a long-time park supporter - and City Manager Larry Morgan met with Roxane Elen, of the recreational grant's arm of the group, to go over what's been done with the money.

"Roxane said she was pleased with the work," Frederick said, at last week's council meeting. "More importantly, there's not a day that goes by- if it's not raining - that I don't see children playing in the park.

"That's the way it's supposed to be."

Frederick and the city are also pleased with the latest projects completed at the park.

"We're grateful to Joe Phillips and his company Pro- Tech who donated about $16,000 worth of material and labor to renovate our tennis courts," she said.

Phillips' crew put the finishing touches on the courts two weeks ago.

Frederick said they would eventually be dual-purpose courts with an addition of basketball goals.

Morgan said it's been a long-term project, and it's rewarding.

"Every growing city needs long-range planning for a park system," Morgan said. "Parks are essential elements of thriving cities. It is important to maximize all parks' potential to help create communities that enrich people's lives."

The city also installed last week two new swing sets, and Frederick said children were lining up to play on it.

"Lots of what happens in cities goes unnoticed," she said. "Parks are highly visible and should be valued as a focus point for families in our community."

From masonry work, to engineering studies, to Eagle Scout projects and cash donations, the park project has brought the community together, she said.

And she knows the community will continue to respond.

"A park can be a community gathering place, a tourist attraction, or a guide for future growth, all the while helping to improve the local economy," Frederick said. "It's the centerpiece of the community."

Frederick said the park's rebuilding is part of the puzzle.

"When people are looking to relocate, they look at three things first," she said, "housing, the school system and the park system."

Her initial goal, she said, has been realized.

"I wanted people to drive by and say, 'What a fabulous park.'"

The park still has endless possibilities.

Frederick told the council that more money was available, and the city plans to pursue another grant through TP&W - this time possibly including a skate park and other elements.

She's now asking the community for help.

"We still need in-kind work done," she said. "So anyone who could help with that, we would appreciate it."

Frederick has a lot of faith in the people of her community.

"You have to depend on the community for help - and they do help - especially when it comes to improving their surroundings," she said.

In other business, the council:

! held a public hearing - at which no one spoke - on the proposed property tax increase. This was the third such hearing held so far. The city is expected to adopt its budget and tax rate a special-called meeting at 6:30 p.m. Friday;

! approved a final plat for Pecan Valley Ranch phase 1- A;

! approved a petition from The Hines Land Group for annexation of Pecan Valley Ranch phase 5, containing 42.125 acres of land and agreed to set the dates for public hearings on the proposed annexation;

! tabled a contract between the city and Bullard Community Library, pending further research by City Attorney Charles Morton as to whether a contract is necessary or if a simple resolution will accomplish the same goal; and

! approved a partial payment to Landmark Structures for $45,000. Landmark is contracted with the city for the elevated water storage tank.

Bullard City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at city hall.

Meetings are open, and the public is invited to attend.

For more information, call 903-894-7223.