POTTSBORO, TX – Soon the people of Pottsboro will have a new place to bring their families and enjoy outdoor activities. The City Council decided Wednesday to move forward with a new park project; and Mayor Frank Budra says work starts immediately.

"It's just been a long process and we're at the point now where we're ready to move forward in terms of acquiring that property and accepting the donation of the property,” said Pottsboro City Manager Kevin Farley.

Wednesday afternoon the City Council held a special, executive session to make the decision of whether or not to pursue the $800,000 project. Mayor Budra said after much review and discussion they all came to the same decision.

"Totally unanimous, the council is completely, whole heartedly behind this project,” said Budra after the meeting.

But the city doesn’t have to pay the entire $800,000. Back in 2008 the city was approved for a $400,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as part of a 50-50 match program. The city must now come up with the other half themselves. But donated money, property, equipment and labor can all count towards that $400,000.

"We believe we can get it done within about 14 months if we start now, immediately,” said Mayor Budra.

And when Mayor Budra said immediately, he means it, starting with acquiring the 30 acres to build the park on. The property is located off of Grayson Road, next to the County barn and rail road.

Building the park and additional facilities will be a big undertaking, but something the mayor and other council members feel is important for the city. Currently the town only has about 10 acres of parks and recreational facilities.

"It has to do with the quality of life in Pottsboro, our citizens expect and rightly so they should have parks and recreational facilities for their families as they're growing up, it's important to young families especially,” said Mayor Budra.

Farley said all of the planning and preparations on his end will eventually pay off.

"That's what really makes it all worthwhile is the opportunities it would provide for the citizens of Pottsboro,” he said during the meeting.

The park will be named James G. Thompson Park, and will have everything from baseball and soccer fields, a fishing hole, splash park and skate park, just to name a few.

"Plus we'll have walking trails of course, and we'll have nature exhibits we'll have exercise stations scattered throughout the park, we'll have something for almost everyone,” said Mayor Budra.