The City of Garland is holding a party this weekend to mark the end of a two-year construction project downtown. Voters approved renovations to the downtown square as part of a bond package in 2019, and the project has just wrapped up.
"We have completely re-envisioned this square," said Garland Mayor Scott LeMay. "It is open. We have performance space. Kids can play on the playground equipment, you can just do anything."
The entire project was $28 million, which included extensive improvements to streets and sidewalks downtown.
"We're investing back in downtown. This has always been the core of the city. It's where the city began. There was a time before strip centers and super-stores where this was the place to shop and eat in Garland, and we're trying to re-envision that as well," said Mayor LeMay. "It's not just re-investing in downtown - it also creates a lot of excitement and it creates a lot of interest for future developments outside of downtown."
Garland is hosting a day-long celebration on Saturday, October 14th to show off the improvements. Events start at 10:00am and will include a disc golf demonstration, lawn games, and a performance by local musician Jimmy Wallace. Garland city officials are urging visitors to use DART or to park at Williams Stadium and take a shuttle bus.
The party will conclude with a performance by country music star and Garland native LeAnn Rimes.
A full schedule of events is available on the city's website.
