New Fishing Pier, Playground, Lake Overlook and More Coming to Richard Simpson Park in West Arlington
Photo Caption: Ken Cox and Doris Morgan hold hands while walking the trails at Richard Simpson Park on Sept. 26, 2024.
The construction fencing is up, and big changes are ahead for Richard Simpson Park at Lake Arlington.
The City has begun work on voter-approved improvements to the West Arlington park at 6300 W. Arkansas Lane. The Richard Simpson Phase II project, set to be complete by next summer, will bring a new fishing pier, a nature-themed playground and a picnic pavilion near the shore, landscaping and parking lot improvements, and a trail extension that will feature fitness equipment and a scenic lake overlook. Arlington residents approved funding for improvements to this 9-acre park in 2018. Click here to visit the City's Bond Tracker website to see other projects.
Newlyweds Doris Morgan and Ken Cox, who walk the trails at Richard Simpson Park five days a week, say they are most looking forward to the trail extension. The couple, who married in January, said they choose the park for exercise because they enjoy the peaceful lake views and the ducks along the shore.
“The lake it is so beautiful,” said Morgan, who walked the trail holding her husband’s hand. “We go around this area twice because it is so pretty.”
The park’s extended walking trail will connect visitors to a new fishing pier that will feature a large, covered platform at the end. The new pier will be located north of the existing pier, where resident Tommy Jackson spent a recent morning catching catfish and crappie.
“I’m out here just about every day,” said Jackson, who said he would enjoy a second pier because the existing pier can sometimes get crowded.
Not into fishing but still want to enjoy the lake views? The City will add two pieces of exercise equipment on the new trail, a new picnic pavilion and a playground designed for ages 2-12. The playground will include a swing set and equipment that looks like logs to keep with the park’s natural setting. The existing picnic pavilion will be removed, and additional parking will be added to accommodate park visitors. Traffic calming features will also be added to the parking lots to improve safety.
Richard Simpson Park Phase I development, approved by voters in 2008 and included design and construction of the Kathryn Wilemon Lake House Event Center, was completed in 2019.
As part of the City’s efforts to expand opportunities for traditionally underrepresented businesses, the City of Arlington Office of Business Diversity placed a 19.14% MWBE goal for this project. Cole Construction, Inc. has agreed to utilize 14.95% MWBE participation, or $539,940 of the $3,611,638 contract.
Fishing and Boat Access
Richard Simpson Park’s existing fishing pier and boat ramp will remain open during construction, as will other parts of the park not sectioned off by construction fencing. But because of the construction activity, those who fish or boat may wish to use the lake access at Bowman Springs Park, 7003 W. Poly Webb Road.
How Did the Park Get its Name?
The park is named after Richard W. Simpson, a lifetime resident of Arlington who served on the Arlington Police Department's Special Tactical Unit and as Lake Officer for 13 years. Mr. Simpson was known for his tireless work around Lake Arlington and rare ability to be a friend to anyone in need. During his tenure as Lake Officer, he received three lifesaving awards for his service to the community.
Photo caption: Resident Tommy Jackson catching fish from the pier at Richard Simpson Park at Lake Arlington on Sept. 26, 2024.
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