Garland residents can mark their calendars for an upcoming community bash on the city's west side, where the fruits of a $117.8 million bond election will be on full display. In an announcement released by the City of Garland, locals are invited to attend the fourth annual Build Garland Day event on Saturday, May 11, kicking off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

City officials, including Council members and staff, will be ready to meet and greet at 9 a.m. at the improved Hollabaugh Recreation Center at 3925 W. Walnut St., unfurling a fresh gymnasium and workout equipment to the public eye. Following the festivities at Hollabaugh, participants will be ushered to Watson Park at 1100 N. Yale Drive around 10 a.m., boasting its own set of enhancements.

Hollabaugh Recreation Center's facelift includes not only athletic facilities but also a new multipurpose room and updated kitchen spaces. These upgrades are part of an extensive package to boost quality of life as green-lighted by Garland voters back in the May 2019 bond election.

Meanwhile, at Watson Park, children, and families can look forward to the inaugural splash on a fresh splash pad, handling a soccer ball on the improved field, or trying their foot at the new futsal court. The park has seen a bevy of updates – all designed to create a dynamic community hub, with all-new parking and restroom facilities making a convenient addition for visitors. These are provided in partnership with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, as noted in the city's announcement.

The same bond election that's bringing parks and recreation improvements to Garland's landscapes is also funding library projects to the tune of $21 million. The West Garland Library is next on the docket, currently under construction adjacent to the Hollabaugh Recreation Center. Residents can expect another area for learning and leisure to join the city's amenities upon its completion.