Page 19 - Microsoft Word - FY 2021 tax info sheet

maintained. This is part of a commitment to replace one playground in the city per year, which will
combine for a $930,000 investment in playground upgrades between FY 2019‐20 and FY 2025‐26.

This budget also includes $685,000 for the development of Bates Street Park in Old Town Keller. Home to
the Wild Rose Heritage Center, this pocket park on Bates east of Hwy. 377 is envisioned as a welcoming
destination for families as part of the city’s larger plans to transform Bates Street into a special events
destination that can be closed to vehicular traffic during festivals.

In July 2021, City Council approved a nearly $3 million construction bid for Overton Ridge Park. The park
will include an all‐inclusive playground with nearby parking and restroom facilities, 10‐foot‐wide trails that
connect the trail system from Huxley Street to Roanoke Road, a landscaped hilltop seating area with
custom shade structures, and an additional pavilion. This park was funded with Keller Development
Corporation funds in FY 2018‐19, and it is anticipated to be completed within FY 2021‐22. Overton Ridge
Park will be the first developed park in North Keller.

Finally, early in FY 2021‐22, the voter‐approved new Keller Senior Activities Center will open. The new
building will provide approximately 21,200 square feet of fitness, education and socialization space —
about five times the size of the current facility. This will allow staff to increase the quantity of programs,
classes, and events while offering permanent space for conversation and social activities. While no new
staff is being proposed for the facility, this budget includes $93,289 to address anticipated increases in
operational expenses.

Strategy 1.5: Provide More “Quality of Life” Events and Festivals

During FY 2020‐21, the city in partnership with the Keller Farmers Market and Greater Keller Chamber of
Commerce organized the community’s first Independence Day event, including a spectacular fireworks
show. It was a monumental success with an estimated 21,000 people in attendance, and $50,000 has been
budgeted for next year to continue this event and allow the city to consider other additions to the special
event calendar throughout the year.

Goal 2: Attract Vibrant Development

Keller’s commercial sector has continued to grow with more than $166 million in construction activity
during Fiscal Year 2020‐21. About $131 million of that construction began in Fiscal Year 2020‐21, and $22
million is expected to finish up by the end of the year. Phase I of the Center Stage mixed‐use development
makes up about 55% of that total construction activity.

Although we anticipated a decline in new commercial growth for this fiscal year, overall construction
activity increased 40% over Fiscal Year 2019‐2020 — 14% without including Center Stage. While that
decline has been delayed, new commercial growth will slow as Keller reaches buildout. We anticipate a
drastic decrease in new construction next year with approximately $12 million in economic growth and
77,000 square feet from new commercial construction during FY 2021‐22.

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