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Parks and Recreation
Tyler Parks and Recreation is redefining outdoor leisure with a vision to unite and inspire our community. With a sprawling network of 28 City parks, Pollard Park is just one of the most recent examples of innovation and inclusivity.
Located at the heart of the historic Pollard neighborhood, Pollard Park has long been a staple of outdoor enjoyment. In a testament to our commitment to progress, this beloved space has undergone a drastic renovation. The park’s revitalization was unveiled during a grand opening ceremony in December 2023. A crowd of community members and students from the neighboring elementary school were eager to enjoy the new amenities.
The new and improved features at Pollard Park include new basketball courts, renovated tennis courts, and dedicated pickleball courts catering to sports enthusiasts of all ages. The playground, which was the oldest in the City until recently, now shines with inclusive elements that allow children of all abilities to play together. We also installed new benches and picnic tables among the trees, providing ample space for visitors to sit and relax. For furry companions, the park now boasts a new fenced dog area to guarantee that every member of the family finds their favorite spot. Connecting it all, a walking trail meanders through the park. Renovated restrooms adorned with a stunning mural elevate even the most mundane of necessities.
We are also proud to announce the expansion of the Legacy Trail system: a project designed with future-ready connectivity in mind. This exciting addition extends the trail network farther north, fostering a more vibrant and accessible community for everyone.
The new journey begins at the soon-to-be-established Stewart Park on Frankston Highway. The spacious 12-foot-wide trail welcomes hikers and cyclists. The trail winds its way up Old Noonday Road, through the scenic W.E. Winters Park, and concludes at Peete Elementary School on Bellwood Road.
In the future, this 2.2-mile extension will seamlessly integrate with the existing 4.5-mile Legacy Trail to create a comprehensive network that stretches from the southwestern reaches of Tyler to the north. The expansion incorporates 1.7 miles of shared-use path and a halfmile of dedicated sidewalks to promote inclusive and safe accessibility for everyone.
The Legacy Trails expansion and the recent enhancements to Pollard Park strengthen connectivity and ready Tyler for a future of outdoor recreation and healthy living. These projects provide unparalleled opportunities for individuals and families to explore the beauty of Tyler, engage in physical activity, and connect with nature and the community.
A GREAT PUBLIC SPACE
The City of Tyler’s Bergfeld Park has been designated by the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association as a “Great Public Space” through its Great Places in Texas program. This recognition makes Bergfeld Park the second Great Place in Texas to be designated in the Rose City, following the Tyler Rose Garden. The park has been serving Tyler and the surrounding areas as a public space for 110 years. The program acknowledges unique and authentic characteristics found in three essential components of all communities: streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
