The time is almost here, and many south Arlington residents have been waiting a very long time for this one. After five years in the making, the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department will dedicate the newly renovated Southwest Nature Preserve this weekend, on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, at 10 a.m.

You won't want to miss this dedication as a number of events are planned for your entertainment. Texas Master Naturalist Jim Varnum will host a short nature walk to identify native plants and fly fishing demonstrations will be hosted by the Fort Worth Fly Fishers. As always, the APRD team will be on-site grilling and serving free hot dogs, chips and refreshments to attendees.

After years of remaining virtually undeveloped with rudimentary trails and limited parking, the SWNP has definitely gotten the makeover it deserves. Improvements to the park include a boardwalk into a pond for fishing, small amphitheater for educational programming, new parking accommodations, and open picnic areas. For up-to-date information, join the Facebook Event. Questions can be directed to the Parks Project Manager Kurt Beilharz at 817-459-5478 or [email protected].

The SWNP is located at 5201 Bowman Springs Road, Arlington, TX 76017. Check out the preserve's park finder page here:http://naturallyfun.org/southwest-nature-preserve. For those wishing to attend the dedication ceremony it is important to remember that Bowman Spring Rd. is now a one-way road, which runs southbound only. When entering, you will need to exit off of I20 and head southbound, and continue southbound after the ceremony.

Please see map below for reference: