Princeton Drops Pet Scanner Plan, Moves Forward On 3 Lakefront Parks, And Expands Caldwell Park Design

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Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting

At the April 7 Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting, members focused on projects that could shape how residents find lost pets, use local parks, and interact with new city facilities. The discussion touched neighborhoods, lakefront access, youth sports, and park design, so the decisions and questions raised here will reach families across Princeton, especially people who use the parks often or keep pets outdoors.

Pet Scanning Station Draws Safety Questions, Then Gets Pulled Back
Bowen McClure briefed the board on a pet scanning station idea, using Denison as an example. He said the stations can scan chipped animals without a vet or shelter, but the chip data is not stored in one universal place. Board members raised concerns about safety, animal handling, and whether Princeton should rely on a station when animal control already scans strays. The item was withdrawn, and the board shifted toward educating residents about leashes and keeping animals secured.

Parks And Trails Master Plan Nears Board Review
Staff said the parks and trails master plan, prepared by Olson, is now in draft form and should come back to the board next month. The plan was built from community charrettes and online surveys gathered last summer and fall. Staff said the online feedback was taken down after collection, and the draft will be reviewed internally before it goes to the board and then council. The plan is meant to guide Princeton’s growth, even though fast growth can shorten how long these plans stay useful.

Three Lakefront Parks Move Toward Long-Term Lease
The board got an update on Tiki Creek Park, Clear Lake Park, and Twin Groves Park. Staff said the Corps of Engineers has approved the city’s move forward, but no legal documents have been signed yet. The parks would still stay under Corps rules, which limit what can be built there. For now, staff said the first focus would be access and upkeep. Residents would still be able to use the parks during the day while the long-term lease process continues.

Caldwell Park Design Shows Bigger Play Areas And More Shade Needs
Staff walked the board through early designs for Phase 3 at J.M. Caldwell Senior Community Park, including larger play structures, separate areas for younger and older children, smaller pavilions, and an open courtyard. The design also includes wheelchair access and cameras. Board members said the shade structures may need more coverage for Texas heat, and staff said that feedback would be taken back to the architect team. The park is being shaped as a destination site, which could make it a bigger draw for local families.

New Parks And Rec Building Gets Furniture And Systems Green Light
The board approved spending tied to Council Resolution 2025-0428-R02 for furniture, network wiring, access control, and audio-video work at the new Parks and Recreation administration and maintenance building at Caldwell Park. Staff said the building should be finished in August and that some items need to be ordered now because of long lead times. The building will house parks staff, youth sports staff, and maintenance operations, while a separate rec center project will handle resident-facing recreation space.

More Requests Set Up For Next Month
Looking ahead, members asked for a future presentation on the youth sports program and asked staff to return with more details on the Zap stand and Zap box proposal, including what exactly is different about the equipment and box technology. The next board meeting is set for May 5, and fishing frenzy on April 18 was also noted as a special event.

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🥪 Lunch & Learn
📅 April 8 | 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Legacy Church, 120 Ticky Drive, Princeton, TX 75407
A solid midday pick for anyone who likes their networking with a side of useful conversation. Smart, social, and a nice excuse to step away from your desk.

✂️ Ribbon Cutting-Imagination Homes
📅 April 9 | 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
1117 Laguna Lane, Princeton
A ribbon cutting always has a little hometown sparkle to it. Stop by, say hello, and catch one of those community moments that makes Princeton feel pleasantly small in the best way.

🏛️ Princeton City Council
📅 April 13 | 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton St., Princeton, TX 75407
If you like knowing what is happening around town before everyone else starts talking about it, this is the room to be in. Local government, but make it relevant.

🏢 Princeton CDC
📅 April 15 | 6:00 PM
Princeton Municipal Center, 2000 E. Princeton Dr., Princeton, TX 75407
A good one for keeping up with the city’s bigger picture. Not flashy, sure, but definitely the kind of meeting that helps you stay in the know.

☕ Business & Breakfast
📅 April 21 | 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
The Business Center, 123 W Princeton Dr., Suite 200
Bring your business cards and your morning charm. It is an easy way to meet local professionals and prove that yes, productive people really do exist before 8:00 AM.

📈 Princeton EDC
📅 April 21 | 6:00 PM
Princeton Municpal Center Chamber, 2000 E. Princeton Rd., Princeton, TX 75407
For anyone curious about growth, development, and where Princeton is headed next, this one is worth having on your radar. Consider it a peek at the town’s future without the crystal ball.

🎉 National Celebrate Trails Day – Chaparral Trail Event

📅 April 25 | 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
📍 Chaparral Trail (NETT) – Farmersville, TX

Farmersville is joining communities across the country for National Celebrate Trails Day with a morning of outdoor fun for all ages. The event kicks off with a ribbon cutting at 9:00 AM, followed by several trail activities including a 1-mile fun run, jog, or walk, a 10-mile bike ride, and a 30-mile gravel bike ride for more experienced riders.

The celebration highlights the Chaparral Trail and encourages residents to get outside and enjoy one of the area’s most unique outdoor spaces.

Hosted by the Farmersville Parks and Recreation Department, Farmersville Chamber of Commerce, Christian Cycling–Texas, and the Farmersville 4B Committee.