In early 2017 before I was elected the city purchased the historic Pinson Farm land just southeast of Pinson rd. and Bowie st. to be dedicated for parkland. Since then the Parks Department formed a planning committee with the goal of creating a park that retained the historical aspects of the property while creating an amazing experience for all citizens of Forney. I must say, they have exceeded those expectations. After discussing these plans at the City Council meeting on February 4th I couldn’t be more excited about the vision of this park and the endless possibilities it can provide our citizens.
The city of Forney has done a great job with their master parks plan and until now those plans have consisted mostly of parks that are focused on sports and recreational activities. However, Pinson Farm Heritage Park went in a different direction. Park amenities and programming ideas include but are not limited to trails, picnic tables, pavilion (rental), display of farm equipment, recreation of blackland prairie, educational/farming demonstrations, farm crops, host gatherings, weddings, trailhead, enlarged and stocked pond, and farm incubator. Educational and community outreach opportunities include a market (truck) farm of two to five acres growing fresh vegetables and herbs, tuition based classes for adults, field trips and tours, summer day camps for children, farm to table dinners, harvest days, picnic and family reunion pavilion rental, and a potential historical museum setup.
Pinson Farm Heritage Park would provide many opportunities for children, adults, our local Future Farmers of America group, photographers, chefs, local events, private events, fisherman, runners, cyclists, ISDs, and much much more, all while preserving the history of Forney, the farm itself, and the structures on the farm. The project is not currently funded though the farm will be included in discussions about a future bond for several potential amenities in the city of Forney. This particular park has a build-out and improvement cost estimate of $3,139,720. For more conceptual renderings and information about the park plans see the photo gallery below.
