Progress was unveiled in swift fashion on Build Garland Day, Friday, Feb. 11, capped by the opening of the Garland Animal Shelter & Adoption Center, the most anticipated project from the City’s record $423.7 million bond election.
With the new facility at 1902 State Highway 66, the City doubles its capacity for animals and advances by decades to become a premier care-giver in the region. Garland Animal Services has moved from a tucked-away location on a back street to a modern presence along a six-lane highway.
“I can’t be any more proud or pleased with any project that we’ve done. Ever,” Mayor Scott LeMay said.
By the time they reached the Animal Shelter, though, City officials had toured four other sites on that same day, marking rapid progress in completion of bond projects approved by voters.
Gale Fields Recreation Center, 1701 Dairy Road, is the second recreation center to reopen after bond program enhancements. Facility upgrades include a new floor in the basketball gym; upgraded kitchen and equipment; a new shaded patio; an updated front desk and a new roof.
Build Garland Day continued at Dorfman Park, 701 Spring Lake Drive, where the playground is among nine where upgrades are completed. Dorfman upgrades are highlighted by an inviting wooden lion-shaped climbing structure that is the only one of its kind in the United States.
Other completed playgrounds can be found at Bisby, Bob Hall, Douglas, Duck Creek Greenbelt, Grissom, Lou Huff, Oaks Branch and White parks. Seven other playgrounds are under construction. In all, 25 playgrounds are being renovated by mid-2023 as part of $117 million being invested in parks through the 2019 bond program.
The ribbon-cuttings also included the fully renovated Transportation Operations & Maintenance Facility. The 1950s building was brought up to all industry standards, with workspace enhanced to better accommodate the signal operations and sign-making processes that keep Garland traffic on the move every day.
City officials also revisited one of the original Build Garland Day sites – following up a 2021 groundbreaking for a new Police Property & Evidence Building with a tour of the building under construction. The City is doubling its capacity for interior storage and also streamlining evidence handling and providing a safe and secure environment for officers.
“Build Garland Day is a special way to celebrate and to let everyone know that we are taking action on their requests,” the Mayor said.