Inaugural Homeownership Fair a Success
With quality schools , great parks and other amenities , The American Dream City is an ideal place to own a home . Scores of prospective homebuyers attended the City of Arlington ’ s inaugural Homeownership Fair in June 2016 to find out how they could realize that dream .
Participants attended sessions on topics such as mortgage lending , affordable housing programs , city home repair programs and more at the fair , which aimed to help citizens navigate the sometimes arduous process of purchasing a home . Potential homebuyers also networked with mortgage lenders , real estate agents , housing specialists and city personnel .
Significant Renovations Planned for Deaver Park
Design work began for significant renovations to Deaver Park , a 15.2-acre neighborhood park in south Arlington .
The 20-year-old park , east of Sublett Road and U . S . 287 , is set for a major overhaul , including new playground equipment with shade structures , new trails and a rebuilt pond overlook .
The Arlington City Council approved a design contract for the park ’ s renovations for up to $ 100,200 in June . The funding for the project , which will be designed with resident input , was provided by the 2014 bond election .
City ’ s New Block Party Trailer Helps Neighborhoods Get Party Started
Neighbors who know one another tend to look out for each other . That ’ s one reason the City unveiled a new Block Party Trailer , which can be reserved for free by registered neighborhoods . It comes packed with tables and chairs , ice chests , barricades to block off the street and even games for kids to play .
The Block Party Trailer is a component of the City ’ s Neighborhood Program , which provides resources to neighborhoods to improve their communities .
Neighborhood Matching Grant Program Returns
In January 2016 , Arlington brought back its Neighborhood Matching Grant Program , which provides funding for improvement projects to beautify and enhance public spaces in neighborhoods .
The goal of the program is to provide financial support for resident- and community-based programs and activities that foster civic pride , enhance and beautify neighborhoods , and improve neighborhood vitality and participation . The program aims to make neighborhoods more attractive , raise the level of community pride and encourage the collaboration of neighbors , neighborhoods and City government .
Projects eligible for funding include public art , beautification , landscaping , sidewalks , traffic calming and neighborhood entrance signs .
Other Neighborhood News
• The Arlington Museum of Art unveiled “ The Star of Texas ” project , which distributed 20 new pieces of public art throughout the City .
• Residents celebrated the addition of a new park in southwest Arlington in September . Martha Walker Park , a 13-acre , heavily wooded park at 7509 Sharon Lee Drive , features playground and fitness equipment , hike and bike trails and other amenities . The project was largely paid with park fees .
• The DREAM sculpture made its debut in Downtown Arlington .
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