City officials and members of the community gathered today, December 17, 2015, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Martha Walker Park Development, another example of a dream project getting done in Arlington.

Martha Walker Park is a 13-acre, heavily wooded site, located in southwest Arlington. It is surrounded by single family housing and is divided into two sections, a native stand of oak trees and a large open space.

On November 10, 2015, City Council approved a construction agreement with North Rock Construction LLC of Denton, Texas for Martha Walker Park Development in the amount of $648,820.

The park is named after Martha Walker, an instrumental part of the city's success and the first female elected to the Arlington City Council, serving from 1972 to 1982. Walker helped found the Fielder Museum, helped plan the Fourth of July celebration in 1974 to 1976, and volunteered in various church, school, and Chamber of Commerce activities.

"Since 1987 the city has owned the land that is to become Martha Walker Park," said Parks and Recreation Director Lemuel Randolph. "It is a privilege to finally provide this needed amenity to the Southwest Arlington community and do so by honoring an Arlington pioneer, Ms. Martha Walker, Arlington's first female councilmember."

The scope of this park development includes construction of a new parking lot with lighting and automated access gate, looped concrete trail, playground with swings for two age groups (2-5 years old and 5-12 years old), fitness equipment, landscaping, benches, picnic tables and park monument sign.

Arlington Parks and Recreation Project Manager and Landscape Architect Mitali Mandlekar says the proposed development will also include a drinking fountain, beautiful open areas and wildflower areas.

This project is part of the Arlington City Council's priority to Champion Great Neighborhoods.