Following resident input, Irving city staff has completed architectural designs for an improved and expanded 32-year-old Heritage Park.
Plans call for a new building with a permanent stage, a green room for performers, and public restrooms to serve the entire park. The built-in technology and stage will allow the city to draw a variety of entertainers and provide concertgoers a more comfortable experience.
“While Heritage Park will gain a local concert venue and other attractions, we have been careful to preserve the historic value that is so important to our city,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. “The additional land we purchased and added structures will allow the park to evolve from a visitor attraction to a true community gathering space.”
The city will better position the historic railroad depot, library building and caboose. Irving’s historic first water tower will be relocated to Main Street near its original location. The Caster Log Cabin will be restored as well. Plans also call for food truck parking, picnic tables under shade trees and string lighting. A fountain feature that includes colorful dancing water jets will be built as well. The Irving Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled with the park plans.
“We soon will have the permanent event venue we’ve needed,” Parks and Recreation Director Joe Moses said. “When it’s open, Heritage Park will host the annual Christmas Holiday Extravaganza, Main Street Event, our parade parties and other events yet to be imagined. We are really looking forward to the opening.”
Construction on Heritage Park is slated to begin in the winter, with completion expected in the spring of 2021.