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E-mail This StoryThe City of Frisco's park system is growing by four parks and 137 acres bringing the total number of acres of developed and undeveloped park land to 1,350. Frisco's financial investment in the four parks totals more than $10.2 million. City leaders say the investment is worth it.
"We continue to grow our park system at a fast pace because that's what our residents tell us they want," said Maher Maso, Mayor. "The results of resident surveys place park development near the top of our 'wish list,' which is why the City Council considers park development a priority, as well. Our voters overwhelmingly approved bond monies to support the development of these parks in our growing community, which is now approximately 45 percent built."
The public is invited to attend four park dedications, celebrating the completion of Vivian Stark McCallum Park, B.F. Phillips Community Park, J.C. Grant Park and Foncine Settlement Park. The first of the four
dedications will be held September 10. Three of the sites being dedicated are neighborhood parks which give residents close access to parks where they live. All four parks are located in different areas of the city - and the names of each park honor a piece of Frisco's past.
"I believe each park ads great value to our system and recognizes the great history of Frisco," said Rick Wieland, Director of Parks and Recreation. "These parks help us meet the recreational needs of our
community while building upon the city's public art collection, as well, since each park is home to a custom work of art designed especially for the park."
The first dedication will officially mark the completion of the Vivian Stark McCallum Park, which is located at 9700 Snowberry Rd. in the Queens Gate development. The park covers 4.25 acres and is named for a Frisco native, who helped establish the Frisco Public Library and has long been a supporter of the Heritage Association of Frisco and the Frisco Garden Club.
"Ms. McCallum's commitment and selfless dedication to a wide variety of projects within the city made the recommendation to name a park for her an easy choice for the naming committee," said Wieland.
The Vivian Stark McCallum Park features two separate play structures, open space for recreational activities, a basketball court and a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbeque grill. Vivian Stark McCallum Park is also home to The Sky's the Limit, which is a wind-activated, kinetic sculpture using the symbolic form of a diamond kite as a metaphor for dreaming about possibilities and extending the imagination. The park dedication is scheduled for Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 p.m.
B.F. Phillips Community Park is a 117 acre community park located at 3335 4th Army Memorial and is named for one of the most prominent ranchers and horse breeders in the Frisco area during the early twentieth century.
The park dedication ceremony for B.F. Phillips will be held on Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. With an overall ranch and horse theme, Phase I of this park includes a five-field baseball and softball complex, a playground system, as well as concession and restroom facilities. There is a large, open space for athletic practices or other recreation activities and a paved parking lot. The park also features an impressive entrance with a large horse shoe and nail sculpture, which are part of the city's public art collection.
The Frisco Community Development Corporation will spend $3 million to fund Phase II of this park's development, which is scheduled to take place in 2009.
One of the most outstanding features of J.C. Grant Park is the large stone horse pulling a covered wagon. The artwork, titled Spirited and Faithful, is part of the city's public art collection. This nine-acre park is named after a three term mayor and two term school board member. J.C. Grant was mayor between 1960 and 1966 and was on the Frisco ISD board of trustees during the 1940s.
This nine-acre park features a walking trail, a covered pavilion with picnic tables and barbeque grill, a play structure and open space for recreation activities. The Dedication Ceremony for this park will take
place on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. J.C. Park is located at 9611 Wade Blvd., adjacent to Spears Elementary School.
Located at 15350 Appaloosa Drive, the dedication ceremony for Foncine Settlement Park is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. The inspiration for the naming this park was a ridge considered to be the
highest point in Collin County, and became known as 'Foncine' in the late 1800s. Eventually, 'Foncine' evolved into one of the county's first communities during the early 1900s.
The Foncine Settlement Park is a seven-acre park featuring open space for athletic practices and other recreation activities, a walking trail, a play structure, a picnic pavilion with tables, and a barbeque grill. Foncine Settlement Park is also home to The Harvest Game, which is a sculpture of a group of squirrels gathered around a variety of sports balls reflecting the cross section of fields at Foncine and the games which can be played including basketball, football, soccer and volleyball.
"We're very proud the quality of park offerings we have here in Frisco," Wieland said. "None of this would be possible without the financial support we receive from our citizens who pass bond elections and support the city's half cent sales tax. This, along with the vision and leadership of our City Council, Frisco Community Development Corporation and the Parks and Recreation Board, help us provide the kind of park system our community needs and wants. Not only do these parks provide health, fitness and leisure opportunities, but the art offerings promote culture. This combination helps improve our overall quality of life."
For information on City of Frisco parks, visit www.friscotexas.gov or www.friscofun.org or contact Dudley Raymond, Parks Planning & CIP Manager at draymond@friscotexas.gov or 972-292-6502.
