Proposition C in the City of Mansfield's upcoming bond election calls for $55 million to design and construct a new community park and soccer complex in southwest Mansfield, as well as renovate Michael L. Skinner Sports Complex into a baseball complex and community park.
In 2019, the City of Mansfield purchased a 138-acre property located near Hanks Street and Jessica Drive for future park use. The 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan identified the development of this land, referred to in planning documents as Southwest Community Park, as the top priority for the southwest quadrant of Mansfield over the next decade. City planners estimate the population of the southwest quadrant will double in the next 10 years. Southwest Community Park is expected to be able to serve current and future residents of this area, providing green space, trails, playgrounds, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts and other amenities.
Proposition C includes the development of Southwest Community Park, which is planned to offer a community park for residents as well as a soccer and football complex. The proposed sports complex is expected to provide eight to 12 new soccer fields that would replace the existing soccer fields at Skinner Sports Complex, two new football fields that would replace the existing football fields at Clayton W. Chandler Park, enhanced championship fields and additional sport courts that would be constructed based on public input. The proposed park is also expected to include multiple playgrounds, pavilions, a looped trail, facilities for concessions and restrooms and parking space.
If built, the 138-acre Southwest Community Park would be the largest park in the City of Mansfield. The city’s largest park is currently Skinner Sports Complex, which is 88 acres. Katherine Rose Memorial Park, the city’s largest programmed community park, is 31 acres.
Proposition C also includes renovations at Skinner Sports Complex that, if approved, would begin upon completion of Southwest Community Park. Skinner Sports Complex is planned to be renovated into a baseball complex that would also feature community park amenities. The 2020 Parks & Recreation Master Plan identified improvements to Skinner Sports Complex as one of the top priorities for the southeast quadrant of Mansfield over the next decade. The plan identified a need to address aging athletic facilities and a lack of park amenities in the southeast quadrant.
Proposed renovations to Skinner Sports Complex include eight to 12 baseball fields that would replace the facility’s existing fields, an upgraded championship field, pavilions and facilities for concessions and restrooms. Following the construction of the new baseball fields, the existing baseball area is planned to become a community park. The park is planned to include a looped trail, multiple new playgrounds, a pond, pavilions, restrooms and sport courts based on public input. Parking throughout Skinner Sports Complex would also be updated.
If voters approve Proposition C, the design and construction of Southwest Community Park and renovations to Skinner Sports Complex would take a total of approximately five years. In order to avoid disrupting league play, construction would not begin at Skinner Sports Complex until Southwest Community Park is completed.
With a total cost of $55 million, the proposed projects’ anticipated maximum property tax rate impact on Mansfield homeowners is currently estimated to be $3.80 per $100,000 of assessed value per month. That means, should voters approve Proposition C, the owner of a $300,000 home in Mansfield would pay a maximum of $11.40 per month in additional property taxes.
Visit mansfield2022.com to learn about all five bond election propositions and their potential tax rate impacts. If you have a question about Proposition C, please email us at mansfield2022@mansfieldtexas.gov and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
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