The Arlington City Council approved several Parks and Recreation improvements and construction projects at the October 27, 2015 and November 10, 2015 council meetings.

These improvements will enhance outdoor recreation for Arlington residents for years to come.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our parks facilities and recreation centers and the department is excited to be moving forward with these projects that will make residents want to come back again and again," said Parks and Recreation Director Lemuel Randolph.

• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center Parking Lot Renovation - On October 27, 2015, City Council approved a contract with Teague, Nall, & Perkins, Inc. of Fort Worth for the design of the Dottie Lynn Recreation Center parking lot renovation project in the amount of $34,200. The new design will be concrete in lieu of asphalt, as well as, increase the functionality and flow of traffic. The number of parking spaces is also proposed to increase from 63 to 78 to help accommodate larger events. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2016.
• Brantley Hinshaw Park Renovations - On October 27, 2015, City Council approved a contract with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, of Arlington for the design of Brantley Hinshaw Park renovations in the amount of $36,450 and is part of the 2014 Bond Election. Brantley Hinshaw Park is a neighborhood park located in east Arlington. The splash pad within the park was constructed in 1997. The existing pump/filtration system is very difficult to maintain because it is located below ground and operates inefficiently. The new design of the splash feature will upgrade the pump/filtration system to meet current standards and replace portions of the system that are no longer functioning properly. $350,000 will be available for construction of the renovation work in 2016.
• Lynn Creek Linear Trail Project - On November 10, 2015, City Council approved a contract with Schrickel, Rollins and Associates, Inc. of Arlington for design documents for Lynn Creek Linear Trail in the amount of $241,415. In December of 2014, the City was awarded a matching grant from TxDOT's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) in the amount of $1,002,877 for trail development along Lynn Creek Linear Park. The contract will provide construction documents, bidding and construction administration for a 12 foot-wide hike/bike trail along Lynn Creek Linear Park. This phase of development will link into an existing trail located at Buttercup Lane extending about 1.5 miles eastward and end at New York Avenue. The proposed trail will connect multiple densely populated neighborhoods with five public schools: Ashworth and Beckham Elementary Schools, Ousley Junior High, Seguin High School and Tarrant County Junior College. The project will also provide recreational opportunities for activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading. Construction is expected to begin in 2017.
• Martha Walker Park Development - 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. 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. The scope of this park development includes construction of a new parking lot with gated access, looped concrete trail, playground for two age groups (2-5 years old and 5-12 years old), fitness equipment, landscaping, benches, picnic tables, park monument sign and open space.