Frisco breaks ground on massive park years in the making

Leaders say the long-awaited Grand Park project will transform the city over the decades.

Frisco leaders broke ground on a long-awaited park project Monday, marking the start of a development years in the making.

The project, known as Grand Park, is planned as a sprawling, multi-phase development that city leaders say will eventually span about 1,000 acres.

“It is a day, some 20 years in the making.”

City officials and residents gathered to celebrate the milestone, with leaders describing the project as a major investment in the city’s future.

“We made it finally! (cheers) Can you believe it? We’re finally here today is more than a groundbreaking. Today is a true milestone in the future of Frisco,” said Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney.

Phase one of the project, known as Civic Park, is now underway. The 69-acre space is expected to open in spring 2027 and will include a 3-acre pond and an amphitheater with capacity for up to 5,000 people.

Residents said they have been anticipating the project for years.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, actually,” said Frisco resident Caleb Cook.

“All of the water features the amphitheater that they have sound amazing,” said Frisco resident Alyene Leslie.

Future phases of Grand Park are expected to include a botanic garden and nature center, a sports park and a network of trails and boardwalks extending toward Lake Lewisville.

Residents say those additions will bring needed outdoor space to the growing area.

“Honestly, just the trails just have somewhere to walk because right now I walk down the street, but it would be nice to have a park so close to us, especially such a big one,” said Frisco resident Ana Schafer.

Mayor Cheney said the project will continue to evolve.

“Every mayor and council member elected, probably over the next 20 years, will have a hand in shaping the future of this park,” he said.

Some residents acknowledged the scale of the project, but expressed optimism.

“Maybe some people can think, 'Oh, this is too much, this is going too fast, this is a huge dream.' And all of the community and the local government are making it happen, it’s a great example for the rest of the nation,” said Frisco resident Ana Cristina Mazutis.

Cheney called the park a long-term investment for the community.

“This is a generational gift for this community,” he said.