Progress
03. Improvements for Ward 5
Progress and growth is a good thing but the city budget dictates available funds. Future planning and improvements should always be a topic of discussion and how we can make progress while working within the scope of what the city budget allows. The newly adopted Guiding Gainesville 2040 plan addresses several of these topics below and this is your opportunity to share specific ideas about Ward 5 with me. What improvements are important to you?
Capital Improvement Plan: 2025-2030
Here is a link to the CIP for the upcoming years. "The City Council wants to update Gainesville's capital plan on an annual basis in order to deal with the City's current needs and economic condition."
https://www.gainesville.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/11913/09-16-2025C---Five-Year-CIP-Capital-Improvement-Plan?bidId=
Streets
I think this is likely one of the most talked about issues for our city. It is a monumental task and need but one that also suffers from a lack of funding. We definitely have a way to go on infrastructure but progress is being made so let's not ignore that.
Below is a pdf file to view specifics about the Street & Utility Maintenance Program for 2025-2030.
Sidewalks
With the City of Gainesville promoting the historic S Gainesville neighborhood as a tourist and visitor destination I would like to see improvements to our Ward 5 sidewalks. Is there a way we can partner with the city to offer incentives for these improvements? Let's find out. Tourism brings money to the city and if part of our ward contributes to that then we should also benefit from some of those tourism dollars.
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Sidewalks encourage walking and walking encourages meeting your neighbors. This could be a Ward 5 neighborhood wide, long term initiative.
Street Lights
Does your street have adequate lighting for safety?
Parks
Ward 5 is blessed with 3 parks! Keneteso Park is a local green space known for its fishing pond, walking trails, and picnic areas, with features like soccer fields and walking trails. Jaycee Park features walking and biking trails, a playground, and skate park. The Cooke County Library has an innovative literacy program where children's books are displayed along the Jaycee Park walking path. Last but not least, is the Home​grown Hero's Walking Trail. This is a special place to recognize Medal of Honor Recipients - the Parks & Recreation Department plant live red oak trees for each recipient on their first visit to Gainesville.
These parks are in close proximity to residential areas making them walkable for many residents.
What improvements or amenities would you like to see added to our Ward 5 parks?
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Neighborhood Beautification
What would you like to see as a part of the beautification efforts for all of Ward 5?
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Clean up work days
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Neighborhood efforts for removal of bulk trash
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Yard of the month recognition or recognition for whole blocks for beautification efforts
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Seasonal decor recognition
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A community garden where residents can gather to grow food and flowers
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A place for a mural unique to Ward 5
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Public art installations
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Micro parks on vacant lots
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Focus on under resourced areas
Beautification is not all about aesthetics, it's about pride in our city, Ward 5 residents coming together for a common goal, and caring for our public and personal spaces.
Share your thoughts and what we can do to lift our neighborhoods up and put our best face forward.
Neighbor Connectivity
What do you think would help build connectivity among the neighborhoods in Ward 5? Knowing your neighbors is important.
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Block or street captains to keep neighbors informed
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Neighborhood Crime Watch
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Form groups with common interests
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Bring in speakers to address neighbor concerns
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Ward 5 small group public gatherings
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Ward 5 Facebook page where we can meet online
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Highlight neighbors work, charitable endeavors and accomplishments