Big Bedford Boys Ranch project starts soon

A $3.2 million makeover of Boys Ranch Park is expected to change the look and feel of the city by reshaping the lake, building bridges and adding a disc golf course, among other improvements.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held Saturday and construction will begin soon on the first phase of a master plan to transform the 68-acre park, 2801 Forest Ridge Drive, into a destination.

Mayor Jim Griffin said the park is an integral part of the Bedford Commons development, which will incorporate the library, Old Bedford School and the Boys Ranch.

“It will be a tremendous asset to the whole cultural district and to the city,” he said.

Griffin said construction should begin after New Year’s.

Improvements in the first phase are funded by a $3.2 million bond package that voters approved in November 2013 and a $100,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The improvements include dredging and reshaping the lake to make it more attractive to visitors; building a fishing pier; installing three steel bridges across a drainage channel to make it easier to get from one side of the park to another; and adding three pavilions, a flying disc golf course and a playground. The lake and drainage channel will be lined with decorative stones, and aerators will be installed along the channel.

Other improvements include lighting, irrigation and water fountains.

Later phases include improvements to the sports fields, the activity center and parking.

Griffin said the City Council will look at ways to pay for the other phases of the park plan.

“Our citizens voted for us to do this. That will encourage everyone to be excited about the next phases,” Griffin said.

This story was originally published December 7, 2014 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Big Bedford Boys Ranch project starts soon."