Farmers Branch parks director says event center construction is on track for spring openings

Robert Diaz, the Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation director, told the Historical Preservation and Restoration Board on Feb. 22 that construction at the city’s new event center is progressing and staff are preparing for an April walkthrough and a first public rental in May.

“It’s a beautiful facility,” Diaz said, describing recent progress: the construction fence is down, site cleanup is underway and crews are installing exterior siding and interior cladding. He said staff are “pushing right now to get ready” for a Boards & Commissions event in April and that the first public event is booked for May 4, though he cautioned dates could change.

The update included operational planning: parks staff will help finalize landscaping and exterior work, while event scheduling will require coordination between the events team, recreation staff and other boards to avoid double-bookings and parking conflicts. Diaz named Lynette (event manager) and Jeff Fairchild (special events manager) as staff leads involved in planning.

Board members and staff discussed a proposed VIP walkthrough for past board members and supporters, with one board member saying the event could serve as a walk-through in lieu of the regular April meeting; the board member said she will place the proposal on the March agenda for an official vote.

Diaz also outlined staff roles and communications steps to minimize conflicts as the center begins hosting rentals, noting that some issues—particularly parking and concurrent bookings at nearby properties—will require more detailed coordination.

The board did not take formal action on the schedule at the Feb. 22 meeting. The next step will be the agenda item in March to approve a VIP walkthrough and any calendar changes; staff said they will notify the board if construction timing forces adjustments to the April or May events.