en.Wedoany.com Reported - On April 27, Frisco, Texas city officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the Grand Park project. The park, spanning over 1,000 acres and located west of the Dallas North Tollway near the city center, will be developed in four phases.

Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney stated during the ceremony that the Grand Park will be a "world-class park," comparing its size to New York City's Central Park (approximately 843 acres). Cheney noted that this project represents one of Frisco's "overnight success stories that took 20 years," having moved forward since Frisco voters approved bond financing in 2006. "Today is a true milestone for Frisco's future," Cheney said. "This is a generational gift to our community."

According to city documents, the Grand Park is planned to include community gathering spaces, adventure play areas, sports facilities, and a botanical garden with natural areas. Construction will begin with Civic Park, a 68-acre area featuring an amphitheater, pond, and walking paths. The Frisco City Council recently approved a nearly $44 million contract with Crossland Construction Company for Civic Park construction. Future phases are expected to add a children's area, including a tree house, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a botanical garden with natural areas.

Cheney said the project has spanned multiple city councils and mayors over the past two decades. "It would have been easy for any administration to abandon this project, but every generation kept passing the baton, saying, 'We will not give up on this dream.'" The Grand Park project was delayed for years due to environmental issues related to the former Exide Technologies site nearby. The former lead battery recycling plant, located across the tollway from the Grand Park, contaminated the surrounding land and water with hazardous chemicals. Frisco officials acquired the site in 2020 and took over remediation efforts. The city council recently approved an additional $22.4 million for environmental cleanup, bringing the total cost to just over $62 million. "This project couldn't move forward until that work was completed," Cheney commented. "Few places may be able to face a 20-year plan, handle a project like Exide, and have the persistence to see it through."

Frisco Parks and Recreation Board Chair Lisa Kirby stated that the Grand Park will play a central role in strengthening the city's overall park system. Chad Brubaker, Chair of the Frisco Community Development Corporation Board, said the project represents the culmination of the city's long-term strategy of reinvesting sales tax revenue into public facilities. Jan-Paul Costes, a resident who has lived in Frisco for nearly 30 years, expressed excitement about the project finally moving forward and looks forward to the city's efforts to connect various parks. Cheney revealed that "Play Frisco" is now planning the next phases of construction for the park.

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