Page 22 - CityofArlingtonFY26AdoptedBudget

Business Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Culture Department is dedicated to its mission of providing quality facilities and services
that are responsive to a diverse community and sustained with a focus on partnerships, innovation, and environmental
leadership.
Parks oversees a wide range of programs, projects, and services with one
thing in common: people. We work with the community to create and operate
beautiful, accessible public spaces and facilities for all to enjoy. We also
produce programs and events that enrich the lives of community members –
culturally, socially, and physically. With more than 4,700 acres of parks,
recreation facilities, open spaces, natural trails, and playgrounds, there are
many opportunities for open play and exercise in Arlington – The American
Dream City.

Recent major capital projects in the parks
system include the successful opening of the ACTIV, Arlington’s new recreation center for
active adults ages 50 and up; continued phase II development at Richard Simpson Park;
completion of Rotary Dream Park; and the opening of Arlington’s first ability-inclusive
playground at Meadowbrook Park to commemorate the centennial of Arlington’s parks system.
Additional projects include the realignment of trail sections at River Legacy Park due to erosion,
along with the extension of the trail system to connect with Fort Worth’s Trinity Trails network.
These projects align with the City Council’s priorities to Strengthen Our Communities.

Texas Rangers Golf Club once again played host to the Veritex Bank Championship in 2025,
continuing its role as the only Korn Ferry Tour stop in North Texas and bringing top-tier professional golf to Arlington.

Arlington Animal Services team is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership and ensuring the humane care of
animals in our community. Animal Services is proud to offer a comprehensive range of services, including expert animal care
operations, successful pet adoptions, efficient pet licensing, and vital field enforcement services. The Animal Services team also
conducts thorough bite and dangerous animal investigations and operates a veterinary clinic that provides essential health,
sterilization, and vaccination services for shelter pets.

In FY 2025, Animal Services actively sought innovative ways to enhance animal welfare,
including partnering with the Best Friends Animal Society to host a Community Cat Workshop
and Roundtable. This event brought together local rescue organizations and animal shelters
from across Dallas-Fort Worth to discuss challenges in community cat programs. A key
outcome was the development of a collaborative team, forming a coalition dedicated to
spreading awareness about trap-neuter-return (TNR), responsible pet ownership, and working
together to help more pets find their forever homes.

Animal Services also implemented a new Doggie Day Out program. This initiative empowers dedicated volunteers to take shelter
dogs on enriching excursions, offering them a much-needed break from the kennel environment. These outings include visits to
pet-friendly restaurants, local stores, and events, or even just a peaceful walk, providing our dogs with diverse experiences and
helping them showcase their personalities to potential adopters and reduce shelter stress.

FY 2026 Proposed Budget and Business Plan 16 City of Arlington, Texas