About
Rapid development in Allen requires the Park Planning and Capital Projects Division to keep pace with the population's demand for passive and active recreational facilities. The division is responsible for the planning, design and construction management of parks, trails and open space in Allen through the Capital Improvement Projects Plan. Funding through the Allen Community Development Corporation, the Collin County Parks and Open Space program, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and other federal, state and foundation funding sources are actively pursued for the enhancement of public facilities and programming.

Current capital improvement projects are located throughout Allen.  The following are a few of the projects currently underway:

New Park Construction to Include Allen’s First Exterior Exercise Equipment Circuit
Construction is set to begin on Hillside Park, located in the area formerly referred to by Allen residents as the Hillside Ballfields. The new park, which will be developed around the Blue Sky Soccer Center as part of a public/private partnership, will incorporate a series of exercise equipment stations, a custom pavilion, and walking paths. Future phases of development will include a meditation area, fireplace, parking lot and monument sign. Construction is anticipated to begin in April and be completed by mid-July.

Allen Event Center Recycling Program
Allen Parks and Recreation was recently awarded matching funds to construct a recycling container enclosure and begin a recycling program within the Allen Event Center.  Construction of the container enclosure on the back side of Allen Event Center began September 24, 2012 and is anticipated to be complete by the end of October, 2012.  Recycling receptacles are on order and will be placed throughout Allen Event Center to begin the recycling program once construction is complete.  Funds to implement this recycling program were awarded by the North Central Texas Council of Governments through funding from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Bethany Drive Median Improvements
The Bethany Drive Median Improvement project design has been completed. The Plans were advertised for bid February 28th and March 7th with the bid opening on March 15th. We received 7 bids, ranging from $395,636 to $279,996. The contractor selected is Central North Construction, LLC. The design and style of the proposed landscaping will be similar to Main Street, between Allen Heights and Angel Parkway.  In this way, entrance and exit to the community will have the same visual appeal, whether travelling along Main Street or Bethany.

Watters Crossing Neighborhood Park 
The playground at Watters Crossing Park has been identified for replacement.  Staff have designed the playground improvements as well as additional site enhancements, including a perimeter loop trail, park signage, site furnishing replacements and pavilion improvements. The initial site design is complete and staff is preparing the documents for bidding and construction.

Molsen Farm
A master plan has been developed and a design consultant has been selected for design of Molsen Farm. Partnerships are currently being developed to create an exemplary heritage park model, while preserving Allen’s agrarian heritage.

Plans for Molsen Farm include a permanent tree farm, community gardens, prairie habitat restoration areas, pond enhancements, soft surface trails, day camping and an environmental education center. Partnerships with select non-profit groups may allow for additional educational opportunities and social benefits.

Current Trail Construction Projects
Allen Land Development Code requires private land developers to construct segments of hike & bike trails as identified on the Allen Parks and Trails Implementation Plan.  Current developer-funded trail improvements are underway in the following developments:

• Watterford Park Phase 9
• Cumberland Crossing
• Hamilton Hills
• Ridgeview/Custer Apartment Complex
• Star Creek