HoweEnterprise.com
June 6, 2022
2
Park
The official logo of Connections Park which will open in 2023. (Continued from page 1)
nity-built playground, a covered pavilion, tennis courts, a large open space, and more. This effort is being led by a diverse team of community members in collaboration with a private donor along with partnerships with Texoma Giving Partners, Saddleback Ventures, Howe Independent School District, and The City of Howe. No city funds are being used as construction will be a community effort through private donations. “We at the City of Howe are so very proud and excited to be a part of such an amazing project. What this venture is bringing to the City of Howe is more than we could ever hoped for and will be used and enjoyed by everyone.” -
Bill French (Mayor - City of Howe Texas) Construction on this estimated $2 million project will begin this summer with plans to complete the park by summer 2023. “Our team has been working on this effort since 2018. Patience to overcome obstacles and delays has finally paid off to ultimately find the right location so we can build this properly for our community and for future generations to enjoy. We are so excited to finally share the news that this is coming!” - Kevin Bouse (Connections Park Spokesperson) You can find more information as well as future updates on the park’s Facebook page: facebook.com/connectionsparkhowe
New park to include tennis courts for Howe High School’s use The new Connections Park has been in the planning phase for a number of years. During the March Howe ISD Board of Trustees meeting, the school approved an interlocal agreement with the City of Howe. The ISD has agreed to work with the city to construct tennis courts and pay 100 percent of the cost. “We’ve been talking about this for five years and each year it seems the price has doubled,” said Howe ISD Superintendent to the Board of Trustees in March. Wilson said the initial estimate came in at $500,000 for the project. “Our tennis program has to go to either Van Alstyne or Sherman to practice,” said Wilson. “This would allow
us to keep our kids here.” The agreement gives the ISD an exclusive period of time for use which would be 3:30 pm to 6 pm from February 1 through the end of April which covers tennis season. The ISD will work with the city to
design and install the tennis courts. The ISD will be responsible for the construction and upon completion, it will be dedicated to the city where they will be responsible for maintenance. The location will be just east of Castlegate Street along FM 902. Currently, Cambridge Street connects Cassandra and Castlegate Streets and will eventually be extended east to the new park.
“The plan is to add a row of houses that will back up to the current houses (on Castlegate Street) and build a new row of houses that runs north and south,” said Wilson. Wilson made the recommendation to approve the interlocal agreement with the city which allows them to construct the tennis courts. The board unanimously approved the motion. Wilson hoped the tennis courts would be completed by February 2023.
