Thursday, March 28, 2024

City Approves Matching Funds Request for Projects in Bicentennial Park & Bob Jones Park

Two Southlake parks are set to receive major upgrades thanks to a couple of local sports associations and a long-standing partnership program through the Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC).
On October 16th, the City Council, following a recommendation from the SPDC Board of Directors, approved SPDC Matching Funds requests from the Southlake Girls Softball Association and Dragon Youth Baseball awarding more than $112,000 toward park improvements.

The Southlake Girls Softball Association was awarded $37,500 toward the purchase and installation of up to 16 soft-toss hitting stations at Bob Jones Park, half the total project cost of $75,000. These improvements will provide effective batting practice and alleviate overcrowding at the existing revamped batting cages.

Dragon Youth Baseball was awarded $75,000, half the total project cost of $150,000, toward the purchase and installation of synthetic turf on Field 9 at Bicentennial Park. Installing synthetic turf will provide a dependable surface for players to train and will allow them to maintain a consistent schedule by avoiding weather-related closures.

These improvements will be made possible through the City’s SPDC Matching Funds program. The program dates back to 1997, with a mission to provide a process for considering requests by petitioning individuals or organizations for the SPDC Matching Funds projects. Proposals are considered on a project-by-project basis and should align with the ongoing advancement and implementation of the Southlake 2030 Parks, Recreation and Open Space/Community Facilities Master Plan. If the proposed project meets the criteria and can help further enhance an existing project, the City Council, following a recommendation from the SPDC Board of Directors, determines the percentage match up to 100%.

Approval of the matching funds requests not only meets City goals to provide attractive spaces and collaborate with partners to implement service solutions, but it also substantially offsets City cost for capital improvements. “It enables the City to leverage its capital funding to implement worthwhile capital park improvements for the enjoyment of Southlake citizens,” said Chris Tribble, Director of Community Services.

Since 2013, the City has contributed more than $300,000 in SPDC Matching Funds and over $600,000 in project costs supporting a total of 5 organizations toward the development and improvements for parks and recreation programs.

The Southlake Parks Development Corporation was formed when Southlake voters approved the special levy of a half-cent sales tax in the mid-1990s. The half-cent, which generates about $5 million per year, is dedicated toward the acquisition and development of Southlake’s parkland as well as park maintenance and other parks-related operational costs. The SPDC is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors that are appointed by the City Council.

To learn more about the SPDC visit their webpage.

Be a Part of Southlake's Boards and Commissions

The leaders of this community are proud of the City and the residents who call Southlake ‘home.’ If you are looking for a way to be further engaged in the City and help support the City Council in their mission, now is the time.

On June 18th, the Mayor and Council will make appointments to the Building Board of Appeals, Parks and Recreation Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, Southlake Parks Development Corporation, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Citizens interested in helping their local government in the areas of regard to park facilities, zoning cases, and commercial or residential development are encouraged to complete an application for a board or commission. Applications may be obtained from the City’s website. Each appointment is for a term of two years.

City Council is looking for committed Citizens to our community. If you desire to serve in this role, please complete an application and send an e-mail (arichardson@ci.southlake.tx.us) or fax (817).748.8270 to the City Secretary’s Office.

Call for Volunteers – Be a Part of Southlake’s Boards and Commissions

Do you want to be part of the City of Southlake team?  The City Council is seeking residents who want to be engaged in their community and help support the City Council in their mission.

The City has current vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.  If you have an interest in these positions, please complete an application and submit to the City Secretary by March 4, 2013.  The Council will interview prospective applicants and appoint members to fulfill the vacancies at their March 19, 2013 meeting.

On June 18, 2013, the Mayor and Council will make appointments to the Building Board of AppealsParks and Recreation Board,Planning and Zoning CommissionSouthlake Parks Development Corporation, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Citizens interested in helping their local government in the areas of regard to park facilities, zoning cases, and commercial or residential development are encouraged to complete an application for a board or commission.  Applications may be obtained from the City’s website.

Each appointment is for a term of two years, unless appointed to fulfill an existing vacancy for an unexpired term. It takes a team to run a City, and City Council wants you to be a part of our team. If you have the desire and the commitment to devote to our community, please complete an application and e-mail (arichardson@ci.southlake.tx.us) or fax (817).748.8270 to the City Secretary’s Office.

You can also mail or hand-deliver your application to the City Secretary’s Office, 1400 Main Street, Suite 270, Southlake, Texas 76092.  Applications must be received no later than May 5.