Mansfield buys 100 acres for new park

The City of Mansfield has purchased 100 acres of undeveloped land between West Broad Street and Newt Patterson Road to develop into a nature preserve. The project is one of the largest park expansions in the city’s history and will include an extensive network of hard- and soft-surface trails for fitness, nature exploration and mountain biking that connects to Walnut Creek Linear Park.

This 100-acre nature reserve will facilitate the completion of the Walnut Creek Linear Trail in Mansfield and help realize the City Council’s vision for the “Western Promise,” a special land use plan to improve overall connectivity and opportunity for West Mansfield. This includes the construction of a new road and bridge over Walnut Creek to connect Newt Patterson Road and West Broad Street, providing north-south connectivity for West Mansfield residents and stimulating planned growth in the area.

“Through this partnership, we can strengthen western Mansfield’s connection to the rest of the city,” said City Manager Joe Smolinski. “This area has the potential to become a unique neighborhood in Mansfield and a destination for residents.”

The new park will improve mobility throughout the city through a network of soft and paved trails and mountain bike trails, all with a connection to the Phase 4 expansion of the Walnut Creek Linear Trail and Mans Best Field Dog Park.

This purchase allows rising water to drain away when needed, keeping the grass green and surrounding homes dry and protected from flooding.

The property includes ponds, streams, dense woods and open space that is great for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. This purchase will protect the habitats of native species and allow them to thrive and grow while allowing guests to explore true wilderness.

The site is being designed in partnership with a private development by Dallas-based Realty Capital called Westhill Parks, which will feature 600 lots for single-family homes, retail stores and a future neighborhood services facility. The organization has developed several projects in Mansfield, including Main Street Lofts, a 266-unit multifamily housing development, and Watson Branch, a 77-acre mixed-use development.

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