On Thursday morning, City Board members and Mayor Scott broke ground on $2.5 million in parks projects that will improve quality of life by encouraging residents to spend time outdoors.

The Board and Mayor recently approved more than $1.3 million in projects for Crump, Dunbar, Hindman and Western Hills parks as well as gave the green light for the City Parks and Recreation Department to seek more $1.1 million in grants for improvements at MacArthur and Wakefield Parks and the Tri Creek Parkway.

“We’re putting 2.5 million dollars into quality of life and place for all for all of our residents, but it’s important to note that the majority of these are south of I-630 and east of I-30,” Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. said. “We’ve been very intentional about ensuring that areas that have often been overlooked and underserved received their due attention.”

Project descriptions are as follows:

Tri Creek Greenway
STP grant application for paved trail system from War Memorial Park to Hindman Park. Project estimate $600,000.

Dunbar Park
Installation of Synthetic Turf Surfacing for Dunbar Community Center Playground. Project cost$75,000.

MacArthur Park
Outdoor Recreation grant application for new all-inclusive playground for MacArthur Park. Project cost $300,000.

Western Hills Park
Masterplan engineering services with McClelland Consulting Engineers and new playground with pavilion. Project cost $650,000.

Crump Park
A new Splash Pad and improvements for Crump Park. Project cost $450,000.

Hindman Park
A new Restroom for Hindman Park. Project cost $125,000.

Wakefield Park
Outdoor Recreation grant application for new playground and mini pitch. Project cost $200,000.