Community Services staff received a pleasant surprise last Friday when they learned that Bicentennial Park won the TRAPS North Region Park Design Excellence Award!
Bicentennial Park is a community park comprised of the first land ever assembled for park purposes and serves as the heart of Parks and Recreation activities in Southlake. The multi-phase Bicentennial Park Masterplan Implementation project re-invigorated the park through years of careful planning, persistent teamwork, and thoughtful design. Beginning improvements in 2008 and continuing well into 2021, Bicentennial Park epitomizes world-class parks and recreation amenities. Years of collaboration between the City, residents, and Schrickel Rollins, and Associates, resulted in the opening of The Marq Southlake—our community recreation facility, a Miracle Field, all-abilities playground, Tennis Center, and more. Bicentennial Park is the premier recreation destination in Southlake thanks to these improvements and serves as an example of successful park redevelopment state-wide.
According to TRAPS North Region, “The awards committee had many wonderful entries to score, and it was a difficult task. Your nomination stood out above the rest to exemplify commitment and dedication in the field of parks and recreation. We are honored to present this award to you and for your commitment to excellence in all that you do in your daily pursuits.”
Recently, City staff celebrated the completion of Bicentennial Park improvements with video releases of the finished project and a popsicle celebration for all employees involved. It is an absolute honor to be recognized by our parks and recreation peers for the successful implementation of this tremendous project.
But wait, there’s more! Always striving for perfection, Bicentennial Park continues to improve. Throughout the development of the 2035 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Master Plan adopted in June 2021, Park Board members and residents stated the desire for pickleball courts in the City.
In the fiscal year 2022, staff will begin adding a pickleball complex to Bicentennial Park to meet this community need and further solidify Bicentennial Park as the recreational heart of Southlake.
The City of Southlake Community Services Department will be presented with this award on Friday, November 5, 2021, at the TRAPS North Region Conference in Allen, TX. Congratulations to everyone that helped make Bicentennial Park the gem it is today!
