Lindale, Texas

The first phase of Harvest Park in downtown Lindale is officially open as city officials and other dignitaries joined to cut a ceremonial ribbon on Thursday (March 23) at the park located in Blackberry Square. Situated on 23 acres, the park is located in the heart of Lindale’s growing Cannery District downtown.

Mayor Jeff Daugherty did the ribbon cutting honors. The mayor expressed his excitement and anticipation concerning the new park. "The citizens of Lindale deserve a nice place to enjoy for their family activities within the city limits,’’ he said. “It has been a long time goal of mine to do just that.’’ Daugherty praised his fellow council members and others involved who have helped make the park a reality. “I've had the privilege to serve alongside the great members of our city council, parks board and city staff,’’ he said. “Lindale is truly a great community with even greater people. The council members and I hope you enjoy this first phase of our new Darden Harvest Park at Blackberry Square.’’

The land was purchased in 2007 and work began on Harvest Park in late 2016. The first phase of the park includes the infrastructure and nearly a one mile walking trail. Phase II will have added features like a splash pad, playground equipment, pavilion and a concert stage.

City Manager, Carolyn Caldwell, who has championed this downtown park for many months, was also pleased to be on hand for the ribbon cutting. “This has been a longtime vision of the mayor and council to provide a new park for the citizens of Lindale,’’ said Caldwell. “It is a true celebration of their willingness to endure hard decisions, late nights and called meetings.

Press Release - June 2018

CITY OF LINDALE RECEIVES A $400,000 MATCHING GRANT FOR DARDEN HARVEST PARK.

Lindale City officials were notified in July 2018, by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) they had approved the City of Lindale’s grant proposal for the Darden Harvest Park project through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. City Council gratefully voted to accept the $400,000 matching grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife on July 17, 2018 at the designated council meeting. One of the requirements of the Grant Funding is no funds can be spent prior to the city receiving a “Notice to Proceed” or those funds would not be reimbursed to the city. During the same Council Meeting, the Council unanimously voted to halt all the projects that were in the process of being constructed that now would be covered under the grant application.

The Grant will allow the city to complete Darden Harvest Park adding a Splash Pad, Playground, Restroom Facilities, Additional Walking Trails, Disc Golf, Signage, Trail Benches, Fishing Pier, Dog Park Trails, Parking, Pavilions, Enhancement of Nature Areas, Grassing, Tree Planting and Irrigation and Picnic Areas. The Grant is for $400,000 and the city will match $353,000 along with $47,000 Donated Funds.

The Grant will be funded in January 2019 and “Notice to Proceed” should be issued in March 2019.

City Officials would have liked to have seen the Splash Pad and Restroom Facilities completed this year, however, this grant allows us to put so many additional elements into the park.

The project will follow all ADA guidelines in design and construction. It has been documented that children with ADD and ADHD perform better when outdoors and participating in activities and environments where they feel comfortable. The development of the Darden Harvest Park provides both passive and recreational opportunities for children who prefer to engage with other children socially on the splash pad or playground or those who would prefer to quietly interact with puppies at the dog park or in the natural areas. The park will provide accessible routes to all areas of the park so that all children and adults, regardless of their abilities can reconnect with one another.

Receiving this grant was a game changer for the City of Lindale, with guaranteed funding in March of 2019. Once construction is completed, the Darden Harvest Park will be a great asset for the Lindale Community to enjoy.