Parks and Recreation

To enhance the parks and recreation in Garland, particularly focusing on waterfront access and economic benefits, Douglas Huff proposes the following detailed solution:

Enhancing Waterfront Access and Economic Development

Waterfront Access Points for Boaters: Expand and improve existing boat ramps and marinas around Lake Ray Hubbard. This includes upgrading facilities at Paul Jones Park and Captain's Cove Marina to accommodate more boaters and provide better services. By enhancing these access points, Garland can attract more water enthusiasts and support local businesses that cater to boating activities.
Supporting Small Businesses: Encourage small businesses to set up shop near waterfront areas by offering incentives such as streamlined permitting processes and competitive lease rates. This could include restaurants, shops, and services that cater to boaters and tourists, helping to create a vibrant waterfront community.
Increasing Tourism: Develop a comprehensive tourism strategy that highlights Garland's unique waterfront attractions, such as Windsurf Bay Park and the Lake Ray Hubbard Greenbelt. This could involve partnering with local hotels and event spaces to host water-themed events and festivals that draw visitors from across North Texas.
Keeping Tax Dollars Local: By developing local businesses and attractions, Garland can ensure that more tax dollars are kept within the community. This not only supports local economic growth but also helps fund further improvements to parks and recreational facilities.
Competitiveness with Other Communities: Conduct a thorough comparison with other North Texas cities that have successfully developed their waterfronts, such as Grapevine and Fort Worth. This analysis will help identify best practices and innovative strategies that Garland can adopt to remain competitive and appealing to both residents and visitors.

By implementing these strategies, Garland can transform its waterfront areas into thriving hubs of activity that enhance the quality of life for residents, attract tourists, and support local economic development.