Farmers Branch parks board previews biannual report, details fee changes and Venue 1842 launch

The Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Board reviewed a draft biannual report and several department updates during its meeting, with staff highlighting revenue gains, new senior rates for residents and the temporary branding and website for the city’s new event center, Venue 1842.

Board members said the draft report is meant to showcase recent accomplishments and upcoming projects before the chair presents it to City Council. Unidentified Speaker (Chair) said the report is a “great opportunity to really win council members over” and asked members to suggest additions or corrections to the presentation.

Staff summarized key operational figures and policy changes. The presentation noted that overall recreation revenues are up about 9% year over year and that the recreation center’s cost‑recovery rate is roughly 89%. Staff also said the aquatic center’s concessions rose about 14% after introducing alcohol sales this year, and that program participation (including learn‑to‑swim offerings and Red Cross certifications) remains strong; aquatic cost recovery was reported as lower than the previous year, which the presenter attributed mainly to higher chemical and operating costs.

On fees and membership, staff said City Council approved increases that will affect newly purchased memberships starting Oct. 1 and take effect for renewing members at the time of their renewal. Council also directed new resident discounts for people 62 and older: a $25-per-year basic fitness membership and a newly added all‑access resident membership priced at $100 per year that includes the rec center, aquatic center and the Branch Connection. Staff emphasized those reduced rates apply to residents only.

The board also heard logistics and branding news for the city’s event center at the historical park. Staff announced the facility is being marketed as “Venue 1842” (the year Farmers Branch was founded), said fees have been approved and that a temporary website with packages and FAQs is live so that reservations can begin. The Branch Connection and other capital timelines were reviewed as well: staff said bids for the Branch Connection are being accepted through Oct. 2 and estimated Hoya’s completion is targeted for late fall, with grand‑opening activities projected in early 2024.

Members asked staff to clarify PowerPoint slide labels and suggested adding captions to photos so councilmembers and the public can more easily see what each image represents. Staff said they would update the slide deck and provide an emailed copy to board members before the chair’s council presentation.

The board did not take formal legislative action on fees during the meeting; the session ended after routine business and a voice vote to adjourn.

What’s next: staff will finalize the draft presentation for the chair to deliver to City Council, will post reservation and event details for Venue 1842 online, and will continue to update the board on Branch Connection and Hoya project timelines.