Grant Awarded by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission
GRAPEVINE, TEXAS – March 21, 2019 – On March 20 at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, the Commission awarded the City of Grapevine a $500,000 non-urban outdoor grant for its Silver Lake Park project, renamed Settlers Park. The Grapevine Parks and Recreation Department (GPARD) proposed park developments that include pedestrian trails, nature trails, drainage improvements, park signage, boardwalks, pavilion, terraced seating, primitive camping, overlook, picnic facilities and a fishing pier.
The project includes a 19.4 acre land donation from Grapevine Equity Partners, LLC. Approximately six acres will be developed, approximately ten acres will be dedicated as preserved natural open space including the pond, mature wooded areas and
low-lying wetland areas and the remaining three acres are to remain undeveloped. The developed six acres will help GPARD practice, encourage and enable science-based stewardship of natural and cultural resources and increase access to and participation in the outdoors.
This project would not be possible without the in-kind donation of the land and pond from Mehul (Mike) Patel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Newcrest Image.
“We are excited about this park development project and the partnership with Mr. Patel,” says Mayor William D. Tate. “Settlers Park is critical in our efforts of conservation and preserving natural resources and wildlife habitats.”
The City of Grapevine intends to provide a variety of high-quality, nature friendly outdoor recreational activities at Settlers Park such as: fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing stations, kayaking, etc. In addition, the new trails will connect to the over 67 mile
city-wide trail system and link over 1,000 acres of park space.
“The development of Settlers Park addresses several current and future recreational needs for our citizens, including additional trails, fishing piers, and conservation of open space and natural areas,” says Kevin Mitchell, Director of Grapevine Parks and Recreation.
The acquisition of parkland and preservation of natural open space, especially in an urban area, benefits the community economically with increased property values and encourages a healthier lifestyle. This particular project is very unique to the area due to the plethora of passive and active recreational opportunities.
“This park will play an important role in providing habitat for native wildlife in an urban landscape, said Rachel Richter, TPWD Urban Biologist. “The Park’s location provides significant opportunities to increase the connectivity of the natural landscape and facilitate the
movement of wildlife.”
For information on park projects, visit GoGrapevine.com/ParkDev.
