LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | PLANNING | GRANT WRITING
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | PLANNING | GRANT WRITING
Landscape Architecture | Civil Engineering | Planning | Grant Writing
Who We Are
Dedicated team of planners, landscape architects and engineers focused on creating timeless recreational and outdoor spaces.
What We Do
Plan, design, and engineer outdoor spaces throughout the State of Texas for communities today and for generations to come.
Landscape Architecture
Civil Engineering
Planning
Grant Writing
30 Years of Experience in Parks & Recreation
Trusted By Communities Throughout Texas
Our Clients
We have assisted over 150 counties, cities, towns, municipal utility districts, camps, churches, and private companies with their parks and public space needs.
Abilene
Allen
Alvarado
Atlanta
Bedford
Bullard
Burleson
Canton
Center
Cleburne
Commerce
Crystal Beach
Deer Park
Flower Mound
Gainesville
Garland
Giddings
Gilmer
Grand Saline
Grapevine
Gregg County
Haltom City
Haslet
Hays County
Heath
Hillsboro
Hutto
Jacksonville
Joaquin
Joshua
Katy
Kennedale
Kilgore
Krugerville
Lindale
Longview
Lufkin
Mineola
Missouri City
Mount Pleasant
Mount Vernon
Paris
Pittsburg
Prosper
Richardson
Richmond
Rockwall
Royse City
Sabine River Authority
San Angelo
Sanger
Seven Points
Sugar Land
Sulphur Springs
Sunnyvale
Terrell
The Colony
The Woodlands
Trinity River Authority
Troup
Tyler
Van
Victoria
Watauga
Waxahachie
Weatherford
White Oak
Whitehouse
Wills Point
Wimberley
Winnsboro
Wood County
Landscape Architecture & Engineering
Providing 30+ years of successful design experience for 250+ projects
Mount Pleasant Sports Complex
Mount Pleasant, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Mount Pleasant to design and build The Mount Pleasant Sports Complex.
MHS developed an accurate preliminary cost estimate, with final construction costs totaling $6,800,000. Our team managed multiple contractors and sub-consultants, and was the primary construction supervisor. The design phase required coordination with multiple organizations and entities including TxDOT, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and area Tribal Councils. Funding sources included two TPWD grants, each being facilitated and managed by MHS.
Services Provided:
Land Acquisition
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
Bob Day Tennis Complex Garland, Texas
MHS Planning & Design Partnered with the City of Garland to design and build the Bob Day Tennis Complex. MHS developed an accurate preliminary cost estimate totaling $14,013,000.
MHS is managing the general contractor and is the primary construction supervisor.
Services Provided:
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Trotter Park Flower Mound, Texas
MHS Planning & Design and The Town of Flower Mound partnered to develop a master plan for Trotter Park, land previously dedicated during the development of the adjoining Town Lake residential development. Classified as a community park, the Town and MHS planned to include a wide range of amenities which were informed from various types of public engagement.
The finalized master plan includes an entry plaza, all inclusive playground, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a basketball court, restroom, ½ mile looped trail, large open lawn, and an enhanced native area. Through the public engagement and understanding of the site we determined that retaining and enhancing the existing native plants already on site would add much value to the project.
Services Provided:
Discovery and Programming
Schematic Design
Conceptual Cost Estimation
Digital Graphics
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
Broadway Park
Haltom City, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Haltom City to design and build Broadway Park. The Park is within a 15 acre area. MHS developed an accurate preliminary cost estimate totaling $1,200,000, managed multiple contractors and sub-consultants, and was the primary construction supervisor.
The project consisted of sprayground expansion and enhancements, tennis court and basketball court resurfacing, shade canopies, a looped walking trail, playground, landscaping, parking improvements, parking restroom, lighting, and electrical.
Services Provided:
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
Pendleton Park Hemphill, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the Sabine River Authority to plan, conceptually design, engineer and construct Pendleton Park on the Texas border along State HWY 21.
MHS developed a preliminary cost estimate and a total construction budget of $6,700,000. The project entailed a playground, boat ramp, kayak launch, pavilions, a sand beach and swimming area, sand volleyball court, restroom, open lawn space, landscaping, walking trails, bench stations, a large parking area, a jetty for current and wave control, and entry signage.
Services Provided:
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
John Paul Jones Park Garland, Texas
MHS Planning & Design worked with the City of Garland to plan and design a re-imagined John Paul Jones Park along Lake Ray Hubbard. This park consists of approximately 9 acres of linear shoreline park used primarily for walking, biking, and fishing.
MHS developed a preliminary cost estimate and a total construction budget of $4,300,000. The project consisted of shoreline improvements and reclamation, replacement of three fishing piers, construction of a new boat ramp and parking facility, courtesy docks, connections to regional trail systems, and an ADA accessible kayak launch.
Services Provided:
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
Sanger Downtown Park Sanger, Texas
MHS Planning and Design worked with the City of Sanger, Texas, to design a master plan for a new downtown park. Site programming gathered from extensive public input guided the design to be a multi-purpose flexible space for a wide range of daily and special use activities.
The full site build out would include a central stage and focal lawn space, terraced seating, extensive tree planting, native plantings, a flexible open air “Sanger Depot” for any type of event, an intimate patio space, playground, shaded seating, central plaza, and community pavilion.
Services Provided:
Discovery and Programming
Public Input
Schematic Design
Design Development
Digital Graphics
Preliminary Cost Estimation
3D Site Animation
Pittsburg Downtown Development
Pittsburg, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Pittsburg to master plan the historic downtown. The focus of the project was to engage the citizens to determine the true needs which included, walk-ability, green spaces, way-finding, enhanced parking opportunities and art. MHS coordinated with TxDOT and the City throughout the planning process to ensure the conceptual plans could be implemented.
The project included updated streetscapes, green space nodes, signage and wayfinding, a converted street to a pedestrian walkway, restroom facility, pavilion and art
Services Provided:
Preliminary Planning
On-site data collection with GIS information
Traffic Analysis
Existing Parking Analysis
Traffic Circulation Study
Digital Layouts
3D Animation of Development and Green Spaces
Cost Estimating
Winnsboro Downtown Development
Winnsboro, Texas
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Winnsboro to design and fully realize the Market Street Redevelopment project. This project transformed an existing street to a pedestrian only thoroughfare which incorporated gathering spaces, seating noted, a central water feature and public art. This project created a central plaza space for the City, which is further reinforced by the rhythm of larger tree plantings and repeating spaces.
Future phases of the project will further develop some of the conceptual work from our schematic design phase, primarily a central stage and event space, additional streetscape elements and artwork, and a music note themed shade structure.
Services Provided:
Discovery and Programming
Schematic Design
Design Development
Digital Graphics
Cost Estimation
Contract Document Development
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration & Management
James Park Garland, Texas
MHS Planning & Design, in partnership with the City of Garland, evaluated existing conditions and redeveloped James Park and the adjacent Quail Creek Greenbelt Park. Both park sites are located within Mill Creek Crossing neighborhood with Quail Creek Greenbelt Park serving as a satellite park from James Park, serving as secondary community gathering space.
MHS developed a combined preliminary cost estimate and a total construction budget of $1,300,000 for both project sites. The project entailed a playground, walking trails, picnic and gathering spaces, bench stations, parking, and open lawn spaces at James Park. For Quail Creek a small picnic area and outdoor grill area were designed. For both sites the connections to existing pedestrian infrastructure were paramount to ensure continued and easy access for nearby community members.
Services Provided:
Inventory and Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Cost Estimation
Construction Documentation
Bidding & Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Garland Playground Replacement Program
Garland, Texas Design & Construction of 24 Playgrounds
MHS Planning & Design partnered with the City of Garland to strategically plan, design, and construct 24 individual playgrounds throughout the City. Each of the playgrounds were revitalizations or expansions of existing parks.
This project was completed in three phases with a total construction budget of $8,300,000. Our team worked in collaboration with City Staff, sub-consultants, and a range of playground manufacturers to ensure that each park and region of the master planned project had a diverse selection of play opportunities. This program revitalized aging infrastructure while also prioritizing child safety through Themed, Nature Play, Adventure/Fitness, and Traditional playground spaces.
Services Provided:
Discovery and Programming
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documentation
Cost Estimation
Bidding and Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Project Overview
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
West Shore Park
The Colony, Texas
MHS worked with the City of The Colony to design and develop a neighborhood park within the Eastvale neighborhood. Adjacent to Lewisville Lake the park had considerable grade change and handled stormwater drainage from the surrounding neighborhood. These factors posed the most difficult to design with during the park development.
Comprised of two terraced playgrounds, one for 2-5 and the other for 5-12 year olds, berm play, terraced stone steps, a covered picnic area, and native plantings West Shore Park is a great park for use by all of the surrounding area.
Services Provided:
Discovery and Programming
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documentation
Cost Estimation
Bidding and Contractor Selection
Construction Administration
Texas Parks & Wildlife Grant Development
Planning & Grant Writing
Providing Planning & Grant Writing solutions for 150+ communities
Parks & Open Space Master Plans
Trails Master Plans
Comprehensive Plans
Strategic Plans
Feasibility Studies
Athletic Assessments
Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan 2024-2034
Wimberley, Texas
MHS partnered with the City of Wimberley in 2023 to develop their Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan. The Wimberley Parks and Recreation Department understood the importance of having a comprehensive master plan because of their need to enhance existing parks and various environmental concerns that have arisen over the past several years.
MHS worked with the City to develop a plan that would address their need for park enhancements, acquisition of new parkland, and sustainability.
Areas of Focus:
Park Classification
Level of Service
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
Public Input
City Council and Parks Board Meetings
Focus Groups
Community Surveys
Needs Analysis & Recommendations
Existing & Future Parks Map
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
CAPRA
Youth Groups
Visitors were asked about the age groups that were present in their household. Although no age group had a majority of the responses, the most prevalent responses included no children (29%), 6 to 10 years (23%), and 0 to 5 years (19%).
How far do you travel to visit Wimberley?
Which youth age groups are represented in your household? (Select all that apply)
No children in household (28%)
Ages 0 to 5 (19%)
Ages 6 to 10 (23%)
Ages 11 to 13 (15%)
Ages 14 to 18 (15%)
Which age groups in your household would be interested in participating in a City of Wimberley recreation or leisure program? (Select all that apply)
Ages 0 to 5 (11%)
Ages 6 to 10 (15%)
Ages 11 to 17 (13%)
Ages 18 to 29 (17%)
Ages 30 to 49 (22%)
Ages 50 to 65 (10%)
Ages Over 65 (8%)
None of the above (4%)
Corridor Strategic Plan
Corridor Strategic Plan 2024
Mount Vernon, Texas
The City of Mount Vernon, Economic Development Corporation, and Franklin County Industrial Foundation partnered with MHS Planning & Design in 2023 to develop a Strategic Plan for two underdeveloped corridors near Interstate-30. These corridors are anticipated to be essential for the city due to the growth of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
MHS utilized smart growth principles to create a vision for two distinct areas – one that focused on a live-work-play environment, and the other focused around commercial space with natural open areas. This plan provided the city with the tools to proactively prepare for the future needs of the community.
Areas of Focus:
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
Town Hall Meetings
Focus Groups
Community Surveys
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
Funding Sources
Conceptual Site Planning
Mount Vernon
Economic Snapshot
Mount Vernon Corridor Strategic Plan
MASTER PLAN
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan 2021
- 2031
Allen, Texas
MHS has successfully partnered with the City of Allen since the late 1990s to develop Parks and Open Space Master Plans. The Allen Park System has developed and expanded the past 30 years, and the 2021 Parks Master Plan was created with an emphasis on park redevelopments, amenity replacements, and improved maintenance programs as the City approaches build-out.
Areas of Focus:
Park Classification
Level of Service
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
Public Input
City Council and Parks Board Meetings
Focus Groups
Community Surveys
Needs Analysis & Recommendations
Existing & Future Parks Map
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
CAPRA
Maintenance Requirements
Funding Sources & Grant Writing
Park-specific Conceptual Plans
The City of Allen Parks, Recreation, and Open Space 2021-2031
10-Minute Walk Campaign
Children Adults Seniors
RAILROAD TRACKS
Parks, Recreation, Trails & Open Space Master Plan 2021-2031
Cleburne, Texas
MHS Planning partnered with the City of Cleburne to develop their 2021-2031 Parks, Recreation, Trails & Open Space Master Plan. MHS engaged citizens through unique opportunities pre-COVID and during COVID. More than 17,000 postcards were mailed to promote two community surveys, and focus group meetings were held with community leaders. MHS learned the importance of ensuring all relevant City Staff (e.g. Parks Director, Assistant City Manager, City Manager, etc.) are involved throughout the plan and regularly attend check-in meetings to ensure the planning process stays on schedule.
Areas of Focus:
Park Classification
Level of Service
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
City Council, Parks Board, and 4B Board Meetings
Focus Groups
Community Surveys
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Existing & Future Parks Map
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
Funding Sources
21 Schematic Park Layouts
The City of Cleburne Parks, Recreation, Trials & Open Space
Community Profile
Population by Race
GREGG COUNTY PADDLING TRAIL STRATEGIC PLAN
Paddling Trail Strategic Plan 2024
Gregg County, Texas
MHS partnered with Gregg County and MSA in 2023 to develop a strategic plan for improved paddling access to the Sabine River. The public desired to transform the overlooked water feature into a recreational asset.
The consultants performed extensive site visits by car, boat, and kayak, utilizing ESRI’s ArcPro software to geolocate and inventory points of interest. This data was used to create land use & access maps for public education, input, and needs analysis and to create rendered layouts.
Areas of Focus:
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
Town Hall Meetings
Multi-City Advisory Engagement
Focus Groups
Community Surveys
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
Funding Sources
Conceptual Site Planning
Mattex Loam soil is found in floodplains within the Western Coastal Plains ecoregion, and are formed by the compaction of sand, silt, and clay. They exhibit low runoff and low permeability and are subject to frequent or prolonged flooding.
Cuthbert Fine Sandy Loam
Latch Mollville soil forms from the compaction of sand and clay and is typically located on slightly sloped land. It displays a greyish-brown color, offers moderate drainage and permeability, and exhibits low runoff.
soil is formed from the compaction of sandstone and shale and typically is characterized by having a red, grey, or brown color. This soil is typically found on steep sloping land, primarily between 8 to 25 percent slopes, but can range between 5 to 40 percent slopes. It features high drainage, poor to moderately poor permeability, and medium runoff for slopes from 5 to 20 percent and high runoff for slopes greater than 20 percent.
Estes Clay soil is commonly found in floodplains and results from the compaction and mixture of acidic clay and loamy alluvium. It exhibits a brownish color, has moderately poor drainage, and experiences high runoff.
Athletic Fields Study 2024 Hutto,
Texas
MHS partnered with the City of Hutto in 2023 to conduct an Athletic Fields Study to determine recreational gaps. The City of Hutto is one of the fastest growing communities in Texas, and City Staff wanted to proactively plan for outdoor athletic facilities. MHS worked with City Staff to identify the existing needs and the projected needs at build-out.
MHS provided the City with four different options that would satisfy the athletic needs of the community with estimated costs.
Areas of Focus:
Goals & Objectives
Inventory
Demographic Analysis
Photographs
City Council, Parks Board, and EDC Meetings
Focus Groups
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
Funding Sources
Population
Frontier Camp Strategic Plan 2023
Grapeland, Texas
The administration and board of Frontier Camp partnered with MHS Planning & Design in 2023 to develop a Strategic Plan for campus facility condition assessment and future growth planning. The camp had experienced several years of stability and sustainable growth and was seeking to create a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) platform to host their campus infrastructure, programming, and land use pattern.
MHS coordinated with the camp director and maintenance team and performed a site visit to gather approximate location data and create the geodatabase. The team extrapolated annual camper enrollment data to provide three growth scenarios to determine new cabins, as well as locations for a new welcome center and staff lodge based on topography.
Areas of Focus:
Goals & Objectives
Data Collection
Site Inventory & Location
Demographic Analysis
Community Engagement (Focus Groups, Online Surveys)
Advisory Engagement (Camp Board)
Needs Analysis
Recommendations
Implementation Schedule
Cost Estimates
Conceptual Site Planning
Frontier Camp Strategic Plan 2023
Housing Study
The housing study and recommendation focus on the necessary supply of beds for peak demand; Teen and Junior Camp occur simultaneously and generate the largest demand, thus establishing a baseline. The Total Peak Occupancy is a summation of Teen and Junior populations and does not include Angel Tree or Timothy Week populations.
Welcome Center/Dining Hall Layout
The Welcome Center/Dining Hall is envisioned as multi-purpose facility to serve campers, families, and staff with a dining area, kitchen, and offices. It is proposed at the existing Junior Camp gymnasium site to provide equal access to both camps while also being near CR 2195.
Grant Writing
Over 125 Grants secured totalling $60,000,000+ in funding with a 90% success rate.
• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
• Texas Department of Transportation
• Various Local, State & Federal
www.mhsplanning.com