Farmers Branch board reviews two Squire Park concepts, tables action to March

City staff presented two schematic designs for the Squire Park redevelopment project: a minimal‑impact option that emphasizes retaining canopy and adding a loop trail, and a more active option that includes off‑street parking, new courts and larger pavilions. Staff said the city has approximately $1.3 million budgeted for the project and estimated playground replacement costs between $400,000 and $700,000 depending on scope.

Board members and nearby residents prioritized keeping Squire Park a neighborhood park rather than a destination, and focused debate on where to channel parking (Richland versus Squire), preserving trees, and locating courts and playgrounds to reduce street parking impacts. A speaker noted that Concept 2 provided off‑street parking that could be refined but expressed concerns about a proposed parking lot labeled 'G'; the board asked staff to remove that lot in revised versions and to maintain strong trail connectivity.

After discussion, a board member moved to table the item and asked staff and the consultant to return in March with updated concepts that reflected the board’s changes; Steven seconded the motion and the board voted to table the decision.

Next steps: staff will produce modified concept plans that remove or alter parking lot 'G', preserve trail connectivity, refine budget estimates, and return to the board at the March meeting for further consideration and a possible vote.