2023 Bond: Parks & Downtown Subcommittee
In summer 2023, the Parks & Downtown Subcommittee helped identify bond funding for projects that will expand Allen's parks and recreation offerings and further Allen residents' vision for downtown.
A series of tours were hosted during May and June to identify projects and discuss needs as the city nears build-out. Residents were invited to attend tours and join the subcommittee.
Workshops and the tour were held on the following dates:
- Monday, May 22 - Bond Public Kickoff Meeting
- Thursday, May 25 - Tour of Downtown Allen. Watch a recap of the subcommittee's walking tour of Downtown Allen.
- Thursday, June 1 - Tour of Molsen Farm. Watch a recap of the subcommittee's tour of Molsen Farm.
- Thursday, June 8 - Tour of Ford Park and Joe Farmer Recreation Center. Watch recaps of the subcommittee's tour of Ford Park and Joe Farmer Recreation Center.
Meeting information and resources were updated and shared on this platform throughout the process for those that missed meetings or preferred to engage and provide feedback online.
Gary Rodenbaugh, Parks & Downtown Subcommittee Chair
This subcommittee is led by Gary Rodenbaugh. Co-Owner and manager of Allen's oldest business, Gary is a passionate long-time member of the community.
Marc Kurbansade, Allen Community Development Director
Allen Community Development Director Marc Kurbansade serves as one of this subcommittee's staff liaisons. Marc has led Allen's Community Development department for nearly six years and has over 20 years of professional experience in planning, zoning, project management and more.
Kate Meacham, Allen Parks and Recreation Director
Allen Parks and Recreation Director Kate Meacham serves as one of this subcommittee's staff liaisons. Kate has over 20 years of experience in the field of Parks and Recreation and has led Allen's Parks and Recreation Department for over three years.
Resources
- Learn more about the parks projects approved in the 2016 bond election
- Downtown Allen Revitalization Plan
- City of Allen Trails & Bikeways Master Plan
- Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan
- Facility, park, trail and land overviews and project proposals (6 one-sheet documents)
Video Resources
- Watch the subcommittee's presentation about parks from the May 22 public kickoff meeting
- Watch the subcommittee's presentation about downtown revitalization from the May 22 public kickoff meeting
- Watch the Downtown Allen Steering Committee's presentation of public input to City Council (July 2022)
- Watch a recap of the subcommittee's walking tour of Downtown Allen (May 25)
- Watch a recap of the subcommittee's tour of Molsen Farm (June 1)
- Watch recaps of the subcommittee's tour of Ford Park and Joe Farmer Recreation Center (June 8)
Phases
Public Kickoff Meeting
At the Bond Kickoff Meeting on May 22, subcommittees held breakout sessions to present projects and hear feedback from interested residents. The Parks & Downtown Subcommittee's breakout session presentation was prerecorded in two parts and can be watched below.
Please note this timeline is subject to change.