NEW IN ARLINGTON
AL ROLLINS PARK OPENS IN SOUTHWEST ARLINGTON
Arlington residents now have a new neighborhood destination to enjoy with the opening of Al Rollins Park on June 20, 2026. The 2.4‑acre park, located next to the Southwest Branch Library, represents years of planning and community collaboration aimed at creating a welcoming public space while honoring one of the city’s most influential early leaders.
Al Rollins served Arlington in several key roles beginning in the 1950s, including city engineer, director of Public Works, director of Utilities and city manager. His work helped guide Arlington through a period of rapid expansion, and many of the city’s foundational public projects were shaped by his leadership.
The park’s design reflects input gathered from neighborhood meetings, a citywide survey conducted in 2022, and a creative partnership with second‑grade students from Wood Elementary. Their ideas helped shape a space that blends recreation, nature and quiet gathering areas. The park includes:
- Play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 in an ability-inclusive playground
- A 0.14‑mile walking trail designed for casual strolls and daily exercise
- A dry creek feature with native landscaping
- Pollinator and wildflower gardens
- Open green space for unstructured recreation
- An interactive pipe‑style park sign inspired by student sketches
The opening of Al Rollins Park adds to Arlington’s growing network of public spaces at a time when the city continues to receive national recognition for park accessibility. With 103 parks and 60 playgrounds, Arlington’s recent ParkScore® rankings show 77% of Arlington residents now live within a 10‑minute walk of a park, well above the DFW and national averages.
NEW COMMUNITY PITCH IN GEORGE STEVEN'S PARK
Arlington's FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebration this summer has created something for the community that will last long after the final whistle.
On June 26, 2026, the City of Arlington officially unveiled a brand-new community mini-pitch at George Stevens Park, 400 W. Sanford St. Mini-pitches are compact, multi-use recreational spaces designed to make soccer and active play accessible to everyone. From casual pick-up games to organized youth programs, they serve as community gathering places where neighbors connect and kids stay active.
"Arlington deserves great parks and recreational opportunities, full stop,” said Mayor Jim Ross. “The same pride we're putting on display for the globe this summer belongs to this neighborhood, to these families, and to these kids every day of the year."
The mini-pitch was donated as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Legacy initiative by the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, with support from the Host City Sponsors.
Mayor Jim Ross, District 1 Council Member Mauricio Galante, Parks, Recreation & Culture Director Gary Packan, and Andy Swift, Board Member of the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee, were on hand to deliver remarks at the grand opening event. Youth participants from the East Recreation Center & Library summer camp also took part in a ceremonial first kick.
"This mini-pitch, right here in George Stevens Park, is built for the Arlington community," said Gary Packan, Director of Parks, Recreation & Culture. "It's a lasting gift that will benefit Arlington families long after the final whistle of this tournament."