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- Proposition C: Park System
Proposition C: Park System
The issuance of $33,450,000 of bonds for the Park System, and levying a tax in payment thereof.
Proposition C allocates funding for designing, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping City park improvements, including beautification, open space, trails, athletic fields, water parks, swimming pools, park buildings, and recreation facilities, acquiring land, easements, rights-of-way, and other real property interests including:
- A new inclusive playground
- Trail development
- Aquatic improvements
Inclusive Playground
With 1 in 4 people living with a disability (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), an inclusive playground was identified as a top priority in the City of Denton Parks, Recreation & Trails System Master Plan. The creation of an inclusive and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible playground will provide an outdoor recreation area for individuals of all ages and abilities to play and participate in social interaction with others.
The current playground at North Lakes Park
Inclusive Playground
Proposed Project
- Construct the city of Denton’s first all-inclusive playground with a universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables people of all abilities to develop physically, socially, and emotionally in the same space
- The proposed playground at North Lakes Park would replace and expand the existing playground from 15,000 to approximately 30,000 square feet
- In addition to play structures, the project will include educational components and additional shade components
Project Outcome
The project aims to achieve multiple outcomes:
- Establish Denton's first fully inclusive playground for all, regardless of physical and mental abilities, that supports the physical and cognitive development of Denton’s youth
- Use of the playground as an education tool, showcasing accessibility and inclusivity
- Provide a play space with more accessibility
- Unique destination playground for Denton residents and visitors to the community
Bond Funding
Estimated Project Total: $3,450,000
Trail Development
Trail Development, the most requested community initiative in the Parks, Recreation, & Trails Master Plan (2022). Denton’s network of trails can be used for outdoor recreation and to connect and access other locations in the community along the trail.
A man walking a dog at Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center park
Trail Development
Proposed Project
- Create new and expanded trails, proposed locations (will vary pending grant funding and planning stages):
- Pecan Creek Trail (DCTA Rail Trail to Lewisville Lake)
- Cooper Creek Trail (Bonnie Brae Street to Lewisville Lake)
- Hickory Creek Trail (Old Alton Bridge trailhead to US380)
- East Lake Park Trail
- Off-road Trails for mountain bikes and gas-powered vehicles
- Various hard and soft surface trails (throughout the park system)
- Install trail amenities including trailheads, lighting, trees, landscaping, irrigation, park furnishings, security infrastructure, and signage
- Create and preserve greenways and natural corridors
Project Outcome
The project aims to achieve multiple outcomes:
- Supports the 10-Minute Walk to a Park initiative, whose goal is for 100% of the population to live within a half-mile walk to a park. In 2019, 40% of Denton’s population was within a half-mile walk from a park. Currently, the City is at 58%.
- Increase connectivity and accessibility throughout the City with safe routes to schools
- Promote reduced vehicular traffic, health and wellness, and neighborhood connections to natural areas and green space
- Create opportunities for specialized trails, including nature corridors, off-road vehicle trails, and equestrian trails
- Support objectives in the City of Denton Mobility Plan (2022), Parks, Recreation, & Trails System Master Plan (2022), and Denton 2040 Plan (2022)
Bond Funding
Estimated Project Total: $15,000,000
Aquatics
A key objective of the Aquatics Master Plan is to improve Water Works Park by offering a broader array of amenities for families, friends, and individuals seeking recreational activities and leisure. Replacing aging equipment can provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for visitors and reduce potential hazards and maintenance expenses.
The entrance to Water Works Park
Aquatics
Proposed Project
- Install new outdoor flat-water leisure and programming pool to support swim lessons, aerobics, and swim teams
- Install a new and larger children's play structure to expand playability and attract more customers
- Construct indoor/outdoor multipurpose rooms for parties, events, training classes, and support space for staff and swim meets
- Add shade structures throughout the park
- Improve the security system to enhance safety and reduce vandalism
- Replace the water treatment and circulation equipment as it has met its 20-year life expectancy
- Replace and expand the lifeguard room, admissions office, bathhouse, and first aid office areas to support staffing requirements for operation of the facility
Project Outcome
The project aims to achieve multiple outcomes:
- Expand the life of the park by replacing original mechanical, chemical, and electrical components that are no longer usable or serviceable
- Provide a new flat-water programmable space to meet population growth that can also be used during summer operations as well as the shoulder seasons for programming and school sports 
- Add new attractions to Water Works Park to expand experiences for multiple age groups
- Supports objectives in the Draft Aquatics Master Plan (2023), Facility Condition Assessment (2023), ADA Transition Plan (2022), Parks, Recreation, and Trails System Master Plan (2022)
Bond Funding
Estimated Project Total: $15,000,000
Proposition C Documents and Links
The potential projects detailed represent the program the City Council intends to undertake to accomplish the intent of the approved bond propositions; however, projects may change.  In that event, the Council may direct proceeds be expended for other projects within the voter-authorized purposes of each proposition.
Note: Bond issuance schedules and estimates are dependent upon a variety of factors and subject to change.