Balch Springs staff recommend pause on large park projects, propose formal park‑development program

City staff and EDC representatives told the joint meeting on Aug. 27 that park upgrades already planned and underway — including Urban Park field renovations, Oak Ridge parking and splash‑pad repairs — create maintenance and funding burdens that require a coordinated program.

“We didn't have many projects going… EDCB had a fund balance of around $4,000,000 and obviously, through the city budget, basically, all the city budget has is just maintenance,” a staff presenter said, summarizing prior EDC expenditures and the fiscal context. Staff said the comprehensive list of needed park work totals roughly $2.5 million but recommended approving $525,000 now to start prioritized projects while the city creates a parks development policy.

Staff described specific projects that drove the estimate: completion of Urban Park baseball‑field renovations (phase 2), a new Oak Ridge parking lot to add about 30 spaces, fence repairs at Godberry Park and playground replacements. They said some work has already been funded through a prior certificate of obligation and Type B transfers, and that Type B funds are transferred to the city as completed projects become city assets for ongoing maintenance.

“The recommendation was to approve funding for 525,000 for park projects,” the staff presenter said, noting the smaller initial allocation would not cover all needs but would allow prioritized work to begin while staff and boards develop a policy and program to sustain facilities over time.

Council and board members pressed staff on field design and dedicated uses — for example, whether football, soccer, baseball and softball fields can be interchanged without losing safety or playability. Staff emphasized a strategic pause to set a clear policy direction for park amenities, funding and long‑term maintenance costs before expanding capital commitments.

The city will return with more detailed proposals and likely a budget path that ties Type B/EDC contributions, CIP funding and operating costs to the recommended parks development program.