An empty lot that sits just south of the Jackie Townsell Bear Creek Heritage Museum, 3925 Jackson St., will offer a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors in Irving. The lot, located near the corner of Gilbert and Rock Island roads in the Bear Creek community, one of the oldest African American communities in Dallas County, is slated to become the City of Irving’s newest pocket park, King Square.
The King Square project is a collaboration between the city’s Capital Improvement Program, Planning and Community Development and the Parks and Recreation Department. The $310,000 project is funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program allocated through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Construction on King Square began in July. The 0.25-acre lot will include brick walls and columns, which will help frame the park and add curb appeal. Pedestrian lighting, park benches, concrete patio brick walkways and landscaping will be installed in the park. Ornamental grass and new trees will be planted for additional shade.
Pedestrians and cyclists in the area also will have easy access to the neighboring Rock Island Road Bike and Pedestrian Trail, between the West Irving DART station and Irby Lane.
The King Square pocket park will help further highlight an area rich in Texas history. Completion of the King Square project is expected in the fall 2020.
View larger images of these renderings of the completed park by clicking on the image.
Small Space Beautification Efforts
Pocket parks are small sections of green space that serve as both a beautification area for vehicular traffic, as well as a community space for passive activities. Many pocket parks also act as a landmark or focal point for the community, highlighting artwork, sculpture, small fountains and/or seasonal landscaping. The City of Irving is home to the following pocket parks:
- Irving Heights Pocket Park, Irving Heights at Irving Boulevard
- MacArthur/Grauwyler Pocket Park, northwest and southwest corner of MacArthur Boulevard and Grauwyler Road
- Main Street Plaza, 127 S. Main Street
- O’Connor/Grauwyler Pocket Park, 1460 N. O’Connor Road
- Pleasant Run Pocket Park, 3707 Pleasant Run Road
- Post Oak Pocket Park, 1014 Sixth Street
- Reflection Pocket Park, 2100 W. Rochelle
- Three Waters Pocket Park, 1010 W. Grauwyler Road
- Whistle Stop Plaza, 201 N. Main Street
Visit CityofIrving.org/Parks for more information on the city’s Parks and Recreation amenities.
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