Past Projects
Check out our projects completed within the last year.
- Art Installations
- Cross Timbers North & South Playground
- Denia Park Batting Cages
- Fred Moore Park
- Hartlee Field Mountain Bike Park
- McKenna Park
- North Lakes Dog Park
- North Pointe Park
- Park Properties Trash Grant
- South Lakes Park
- Southwest Park
- Tree Plantings
- Wolff's Park
- Villages of Carmel Park Master Plan
- Bowling Green Park Master Plan
- Quakertown Park Musical Equipment
Art Installations
Bonnie Brae Roundabout Sculpture
The Public Art Committee (PAC) commissioned artist Elizabeth Akamatsu to design, fabricate, and install a new sculpture at the Bonnie Brae Roundabout. The center of the roundabout space is sized to accommodate a sculpture that will be fully visible from all directions into the intersection. The PAC commissioned an artist to submit proposals for a theme that considers health, wellness, and play. In February 2022 City Council approved the contract with the artist, Elizabeth Akamatsu to create and install the piece known as “Dog Star”. This piece is inspired by Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation. Sirius appears as a single star to the unaided eye but, in fact, is a binary star system. The two stars orbit each other. “Dog Star” is a play on the binary system. The viewer orbits around the sculpture, creating the illusion of oneness.
From every point on the roundabout, the view of the sculpture, and what the viewer’s eyes capture looking through the windows, the negative space on the sculpture will continually change. The shapes used to create the sculpture are abstractions of medical symbols such as a cross for first aid and three intersecting lines, a symbol of life. The cut-outs on the horizontal plane will create shadows on the ground in the shape of the universally known symbol for “first aid.” The installation will also include landscaping around the pedestal that will help to accentuate the sculpture while blocking oncoming traffic headlights.
Artist: Elizabeth Akamatsu
Cost of Sculpture: $50,000
Sculpture Installation: September 3, 2022
Project Location: Roundabout at Bonnie Brae St. and Scripture St.
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Russ Connell Sculptures
Pedestal Installation: June 1, 2022, through June 8, 2022
The Public Art Committee (PAC) has identified four locations in the Carroll Boulevard linear park for art placement. In May 2022, City Council approved the purchase of the following four sculptures. Russ Connell is a local artist with his design shop in Denton. Russ specializes in metalwork to design abstract, geometric art. Future benches and landscaping is planned pending funding approval.
- Challenger, 9' tall, White Painted Steel
- Avalon, 9' tall, Stainless Steel
- Crazy Horse, 7' tall, Yellow Painted Steel
- King Moonracer, 5’ tall, Blue Painted Steel
Total Cost of Sculptures: $45,450.00
Project Location: East side of Carroll Boulevard Art Trail between Panhandle St. and Crescent St.
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Bench People Sculpture
The Public Art Committee commissioned artists to submit proposals for a sculpture at the MLK Recreation Center that embraces its history. The selected Artist, Madeline Wiener, has been creating 'art benches' using limestone since 1998. She enjoys creating works of art that ignite the imagination, lift the spirit, and start a meaningful conversation that engages each viewer. Her sculptures seek to capture the culture and character of each community.
The Artist's inspiration for the sculpture is that the community's women have played a significant role in establishing Quakertown/Denton. This area has become a place where women are powerful and get things done. With TWU also located nearby, the Artist wanted to honor all women of Denton. The Artist created two women engaged in conversation and have a confident and friendly attitude representing the community's mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. The Artist's intent is for the community to relate to these inspiring figures, and the interactive installation will pique their curiosity.
Artist: Madeline Wiener
Cost of Mural: $72,000
Location: MLK Rec Center, 1300 Wilson St.
Sculpture Installation: December 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Fetch! Sculpture
The Public Art Committee commissioned an artist to submit proposals for a theme that will reflect the location and aesthetics of the NL dog park and the neighboring Linda McNatt Animal Care & Adoption Center. The Artist's inspiration came from visiting the park and seeing a fundamental interaction between the owners and dogs-playing fetch! The concept is captured in the exaggerated dogs' gestures and precarious balance, suggesting that the pack will topple at any moment and start anew.
Artist: 23 Design Co.
Cost of Mural: $35,000
Location: North Lakes Dog Park, 808 W. Windsor
Sculpture Installation: September 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Foundations of our History Mural
The Public Art Committee commissioned local artist Dan Black to recreate his "Foundations of Our History" mural. This mural was previously painted on a fence along Bonnie Brae Street and celebrated women who have significantly contributed to the Denton community. The women featured are Alice Alexander, Alma Clark, Ruby Cole, Betty Kimble, and Dorothy Minter. For more information about the women, visit the article posted by the Denton Library, Foundation of our History Article.
The Artist began using spray painting as an art medium in late 2007 while pursuing a technical degree. Upon graduation, he determined that he loved painting too much to ignore and began a path of self-education in traditional techniques and mediums. In addition to painting murals, his current works include acrylic and oil painting, layered panel installation, and figure sculpture. The Artist is local and has other murals throughout Denton.
Artist: Dan Black
Cost of Mural: $12,025
Location: Robertson St & Bell St.
Mural Installation: June 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Vela's Trophy
The Public Art Committee commissioned this piece to submit proposals for an outdoor public art project to be located at the G. Roland Vela Athletic Complex. The public art project should reflect the location and aesthetics of the Athletic Complex, with a theme that fits with its location.
The Artist's vision of the sculpture was inspired by Dr. Vela's life as a scientist and his love of soccer which fits with the Athletic complex. The design is inspired by the concept of a "beacon," from the old English verb "to beckon." The free-standing sculpture will be a powerful visual landmark and an iconographic symbol for the community. The Artist envisioned the Vela's Trophy beacon as a visual metaphor for enlightenment and the burst of energy of a creative idea. Additionally, Vela's Trophy has an exterior spherical geodetic structure representing a soccer ball and to chemists and scientists as the Buckminsterfullerene molecule designed by Buckminster Fuller. The center of the sphere has additional spheres that represent molecules and atoms. Additionally, the center of the sphere is a five-pointed star in honor of Texas.
Artist: Ray King
Cost of Sculpture: $100,000
Location: G. Roland Vela Sports Complex, 3801 N. Elm St.
Sculpture Installation: September 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship Sculpture
The Public Art Committee commissioned this piece to submit proposals for art projects that will reflect the spirit and context of the Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship (DWIF). DWIF is a maverick group of black and white women who forged friendships and strategies to ease Denton's transition toward racial integration during the 1960s social upheaval. The Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship (DWIF) helped smooth integration in Denton's formerly segregated public schools by bridging racial barriers with friendship and potlucks. They campaigned for racial justice and quality-of-life improvements for Denton's African American citizenry through coordinated action.
The Artist's inspiration for the sculpture bursts with every color of the rainbow, celebrating the visionary women of Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship (DWIF). Through the lens of hope, love, trust, and friendship, they overcame cultural barriers to help Denton re-imagine race relations. The installation's most prominent piece is a monumentally sized disc whose colors morph and change as the person viewing it moves. This animation effect is achieved with a process called "lenticular" art. There's no electricity or computer involved. It's a purely physical phenomenon. For more information about the sculpture, visit the following page, www.dentonwif.com.
Artist: Dina Fisher
Cost of Sculpture: $100,000
Location: Wolff's Park, 108 Industrial St.
Sculpture Installation: December 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Cross Timbers North & South Playground
Over the past four years, the Parks and Recreation Department has been working towards updating the City’s playground inventory with new structures that meet current safety regulations. The original playground was installed in 2002 and identified for replacement by Parks and Recreation Staff. This process involves using the industry standard playground lifespan, approximately 15 years. The replacement timeline considers the brand, amount of shade, usage, vandalism, and repairs needed throughout its lifespan.
On May 3, City Council approved the Parks and Recreation Department to move forward with purchasing the playgrounds. In August 2022, the Cross Timbers South playground began demolition and was completed the week of September 19. Upon completion of the south playground, the contractors immediately began on the Cross Timbers North playground and began demolition on the same week of September 19. The playground was finalized by November 4.
The new play structures include interactive, accessible play and integrated shade. Tag us on Facebook and Instagram, and tell us how you like it!
Cost of Playground: $351,449.00
Project Location: 7601 Waterside Pl. & 8402 Clear River Ln.
Estimated Construction Dates: August – November 2022
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Denia Park Batting Cages
Denia Park features four softball fields that accommodate youth baseball and softball. Traditionally, baseball/softball parks have batting cages to provide players with the opportunity for batting practice to enhance skills. The previous batting cage was due for replacement and featured safety netting, turf flooring, and one batting tunnel.
The new project has two batting tunnels, a new concrete surface with artificial turf, chain link fencing, and netting.
Estimated Budget: $76,044.00
Project Location: 1001 Parvin St. Denton, TX 76205
Estimated Construction Dates: March 2022 to October 2022
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Fred Moore Park
As part of the 2021 Community Development Action Plan, the Parks and Recreation Department received a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for improvements to the ballfield located at Fred Moore Park. These improvements include new shade structures over the bleachers, dugouts and scorer’s area, and new outfield fencing. All shade structures and outfield fencing is complete. The project is awaiting the installation of foul poles that are on back-order. Installation of poles should be in by the fall.
Estimated Budget: A total of $82,252.10 in grant funding is helping to make these improvements
Project Location: 501 S. Bradshaw St. Denton, TX 76205
Estimated Construction Dates: March 2022 to June 2022
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Hartlee Field Mountain Bike Park
In November 2021, the Hartlee Field Mountain Bike Park officially opened to the public. This is the City of Denton's first mountain bike park with a 5.3-mile trail. The trail runs through hills, woods, flat spaces, open prairies, and has a view of two small stock ponds. The construction started in late 2020 and was entirely led by over 130 local riders and volunteers working nearly 1,000 hours.
This project came to fruition from public engagement through the Parks Master Plan feedback process. The Wastewater department bought the existing property in the mid-1990s for a future wastewater treatment plant. The treatment plant was identified as not needed until 10-40 years or may never be required to be built depending on development. The property is 240 acres; typically, a plant will need 30-40 acres. The City established a memorandum of understanding to allow the use of the property for mountain bike trails. If the future plant is needed, a fence will be built around it, allowing for trails to be still located within this area.
Staff is working on identifying routes to incorporate more trails on this property. Be on the lookout for more information. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at (940) 349-7275.
Project Location: 5792 Hartlee Field Rd. Denton, TX 76208
Construction Dates: November 2020 to December 2021
Project Manager: John Whitmore
McKenna Park
Parks and Recreation started hosting a community meeting in 2019 to seek feedback for improvements to McKenna Park. Through community engagement and collaboration with other City Departments, Park staff enhanced the existing Park with the following new amenities: Playground, parking lot, pavilions, trails, and landscaping.
On January 5, 2021, City Council approved Obra Ramos Construction, LLC to construct park improvements for McKenna Park. The Park construction of the proposed changes was finalized in March 2022. The old playground footprint is currently being assessed with the possibility of repurposing into an additional amenity.
Construction Costs: 987,833.38
Project Location: 700 N Bonnie Brae St. Denton, TX 76201
Construction Dates: January 2021 to Continuous
Project Manager: John Whitmore
North Lakes Dog Park
The North Lakes Dog Park started construction in April 2019 and officially opened to the public in December 2019. The 3.65-acre dog park features three main pens, which are more than an acre, and a smaller pen is available to rent for events. There are nearly 100 trees, bistro lighting around each pen, benches, and water fountains for humans and dogs.
This park also features an art sculpture named “Fetch.”
The Denton Parks Foundation continuously raises money for additional seating and shade structures. To donate, please visit www.dentonparksfoundation.com
Cost of Construction: $553,240.53
Project Location: 808 W. Windsor Dr.
North Pointe Park
Denton Parks and Recreation is constantly looking for ways to improve all Parks throughout the City. Staff identified the need for additional shade and installed a pavilion at North Pointe Park. The pavilion will feature a picnic table and will be installed by July 22.
Construction Costs: $28,024.83
Project Location: 1400 W Hercules Ln. Denton, TX 76207
Construction Dates: June 2022 to July 2022
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Park Properties Trash Grant
In the fall of 2021, the Park and Recreation Department was awarded $199,836 from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to implement a pilot program to reduce litter and recycling contamination in City parks.
The program replaced the fifty-five-gallon metal trash cans in the park. These cans were replaced with new trash and recycling receptacles readily identifiable in Fred Moore Park, South Lake Park, and the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center.
The new receptacles are tip-resistant, have a high recycled materials content, and have bright lids configured to restrict inadvertent waste streams. The grant funded 135 trash and 135 recycling receptacles, anchoring kits, and signage.
Staff Contact: John Whitmore
Dates Implemented: September 2022-December 2022
Grant Award: $199,836.00
South Lakes Park
In 2014, Denton voters approved a bond program that included park improvements. Proposition 4 of the 2014 Bond included the expansion of tennis at South Lakes Park to build two lighted tennis courts. On October 6, 2020, City Council approved a Professional Service Agreement with Adams Consulting Engineers to design South Lakes Tennis Courts for the Parks and Recreation Department. The design was completed in May 2021. In November 2021, City Council approved Obra Ramos to construct the tennis courts. The courts will feature two new tennis courts with pickleball lines. The courts will feature lights that the park user can turn on with a push-button.
Estimated Budget: $514,827.00
Project Location: 556 Hobson Ln. Denton, TX 76205
Estimated Construction Dates: November 2021 to May 2022
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Southwest Park
August 2022—Project Update
We are excited to announce a new 3.551-mile soft surface grass trail around Southwest Park in southern Denton. This undeveloped 190-acre park is located west of Bonnie Brae and between Allred Rd. and Taylor Park Blvd. The trail meanders around the parcel's perimeter and consists of a large loop bisected by a trail that creates two shorter loop trails. While the trail is temporary, it allows residents to use the parcel in its natural state until park development occurs in the future. Users may see butterflies, deer, and numerous grasshoppers while enjoying the open space. Because Southwest Park is currently undeveloped, the property has no restrooms, water, or lighting within the trails. Users are encouraged to bring water when hiking the new trail. The trailhead and street parking are located at the far west end of Taylor Park Blvd. Standard park hours are in effect from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
May 2022—
In 2006, the City of Denton purchased a 190-acre site known as Southwest Park. This property was purchased. The Park Master Plan and Design was an approved project in the 2014 Bond election (Proposition No. 4) for a total of $1,255,000. This project will consist of public engagement, needs assessment, survey, platting, environmental assessments, conceptual design, and phasing options with opinions of probable costs for the park development.
In June 2020, City Council approved Teague Nall and Perkins Inc. to develop the master plan for Southwest Park. From July 2020 to December 2021, the City of Denton and Teague Nall and Perkins Inc. designed a final park rendering through public engagement forums with the City Council, Parks Board, Committee of Persons with Disabilities, internal staff, and the local community. On January 4, 2022, City Council approved the master plan for Southwest Park.
The new park master plan features three different areas that have been defined as Natural, Active, and Indoor. Each area will feature activities respective to the environments. Some amenities are sports fields, playgrounds, preservation of green space, trails, a dog park, and a footprint for a future indoor center. The cost estimate of the proposed items is estimated to be the following:
- Natural Area: $12,732,240
- Active Area: $53,433,600
- Indoor Area: $77,910,000
- Total Cost of Proposed Design: $144,000,000
Funding has not been allocated for the construction of this project. However, staff is working on seeking grants and other sources of funding for the creation of this master plan.
Master Plan Cost: $198,800.00
Project Location: Corner of S. Bonnie Brae and Allred Rd.
Project Manager: John Whitmore
Tree Plantings
The City of Denton has a Tree Mitigation Fund that provides funding for tree planting efforts located throughout our City. Trees are generally planted in our facilities, parks, and medians. The number of trees is based on the available space within the project area. Below is a list of locations that have been planted within the Spring 2022 season.
- American Legion Hall
- Briercliff Park
- Cross Timbers Park
- Lake Forest Park
- Linda McNatt Animal Shelter
- Median on Loop 288
- Median on University Dr.
- North Lakes Dog Park
- North Pointe Park
- Owsley Park
- South Lakes Park
- Vela Athletic complex
- Water Work Park
Project Manager: Haywood Morgan
Wolff's Park
Wolff's Park, formerly known as Industrial Street Park, is a .11-acre community park. The Park features an interactive art monument, accessibility, trees, open space, and decorative lighting to make the space inviting and celebrate Denton arts and culture, thus making it uniquely Denton. The park construction began in the Summer of 2021 and was completed in December 2021. Due to various shortages and delays in construction materials, the Park still misses the lights and park name signs but anticipates installing them in the fall of 2022.
The City of Denton's naming policy ordinance (20-2001) features guidelines for city buildings, facilities, land, or any portion thereof. During the summer of 2021, Parks and Recreation received an application to consider changing Industrial Street Park to Wolff's Park. Wolff's Food Store was next to the Park from 1947 to 1997. The Park also served as a meeting location for the Denton Women's Interracial Fellowship group. In November of 2021, City Council approved the naming request for the Park to be named Wolff's Park.
Cost of Construction: $398,825.11
Park Location: 108 Industrial St.
Project Manager: Jason Donnell
Villages of Carmel Park Master Plan
In 2018, the City purchased a 6.5-acre site known as the Villages of Carmel Property. The City of Denton hired Valley Quest Designs in December 2020 to develop a Master Plan. From March to July 2021, the City of Denton and Valley Quest coordinated and designed a final park rendering through public engagement forums with the City Council, Parks Board, Committee of Persons with Disabilities, internal staff, and the local community. On September 21, 2021, City Council approved the master plan for the Villages of Carmel that will feature trails, a playground, lighting, a pavilion, and a parking lot integrated within the existing tree canopy.
On October 1, 2021, the City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department submitted a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The grant funding will cover 50% of the proposed construction of the future Villages of Carmel property. On March 24, 2022, the TPWD Commission approved funding to award numerous local parks grants across the state. The Denton Parks and Recreation department is excited to announce that it received the total amount requested and is a recipient of a $621,563 Non-Urban Outdoor grant for the future Villages of Carmel Park.
For more information about the project's status visit the Current Projects tab
Construction Cost: 1.23M (50% Match Grant will be reimbursed by TPWD $621,563.00)
Project Location: 6414 Edwards Rd. Swisher Road and Edwards Road
Master Plan Adoption: September 21, 2021
Estimated Construction Start Date: Summer 2023
Project Manager: Chris Escoto
Bowling Green Park
The Bowling Green Park and Community Garden is located at 2200 Bowling Green St. The 18-acre community park and garden is home to a playground, picnic tables and benches, a small fruit orchard, and a community garden. In December 2020, Council approved Pacheco Koch Consulting Engineers, Inc to serve as the consultants and will be developing a master plan and redesign for Bowling Green Park. From March to July 2021, the City of Denton and Pacheco Koch designed a final park rendering through public engagement forums with the City Council, Parks Board, Committee of Persons with Disabilities, internal staff, and the local community. On September 22, 2021, City Council approved the master plan for Bowling Green Park.
On August 1, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) for the Local Park Grant for improvements at Bowling Green Park. This grant provides funding for 50% of the proposed construction. On January 26, 2023, the TPWD Commission passed funding to award numerous Local Park Grants statewide. The Parks and Recreation department is excited to announce that Bowling Green Park received a grant of $598,532.
For more information about the project's status visit the Current Projects tab
Estimated Budget: 1.1M (50% Match Grant will be reimbursed by TPWD $598,532.00)
Project Location: 2200 Bowling Green St.
Master Plan Adoption Date: September 21, 2021
Estimated Construction Dates: Starting Summer 2024
Project Manager: Chris Escoto
Quakertown Park Musical Equipment
The existing playground at Quakertown Park has received new musical equipment. Funds from the Denton Benefit League and the Denton Parks Foundation made this new equipment possible. This new musical equipment helps continue to celebrate Denton’s musical heritage.