Ovilla Main Street parking lot, walking trails complete soon

  OVILLA – The City of Ovilla Main Street Parking Lot expansion and walking trails are in the final stages this month.

The walking trails as well as directional signs and lighting are being done in phases, and the parking lot is complete – with the exception of crosswalks.

Pam Woodall, Ovilla’s city manager said “The City’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan calls for walking trails throughout the downtown area and to Heritage Park.

“The completion of the walking trails will be in phases, but we are complete with them this fiscal year.”

The project, funded by the Municipal Development District, was created by the voters of Ovilla in November 2009, for the imposition of a sales and use tax at the rate of one-fourth of one percent for the purpose of financing development projects beneficial to the district.

The city budgeted $250,000 funded by the Municipal Development District and the project began in June of last year.

“The new parking area provides needed parking for city hall and also the downtown business area,” Ovilla Mayor Richard Dormier said.

“The downtown area has continued to see increased business activity since the city partnered with the landowners to install sanitary sewer service to the area a few years ago creating the need for additional parking. 

“Ultimately we would like to see the parking area connected with the city parks south of downtown and west of city hall.

“The city is also in the planning stages to refurbish certain rooms and expand the police station, which will be an expansion of about 1800-square-feet.

“Not a lot but it is much needed space for the police department to add a training room, criminal investigations office, interview room, and storage/evidence,” Woodall said. “Everything we plan is for improvement of services to Ovilla residents.”

A pavilion to be located in Founders Park behind the police station has also been budgeted for this fiscal year through the Economic Development Corporation, and Woodall added, “Will probably be constructed in phases and in multiple fiscal years.”

The new pavilion is geared to improve and offer additional space for the enjoyment of anyone visiting the city.

It will also be used by the city for events such as Heritage Day and Music in the Park, and will be available to residents for events like birthday parties, baseball celebrations after ballgames, and picnics near Cindy Jones Park, to name a few.

“A pavilion in Ovilla will open so many possibilities for social gatherings and celebrations,” Woodall concluded.