NEW FISHING PIER , PLAYGROUND , LAKE OVERLOOK AND MORE COMING TO RICHARD SIMPSON PARK IN WEST ARLINGTON
The construction fencing is up , and big changes are ahead for Richard Simpson Park at Lake Arlington .
The City has begun work on voterapproved 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 .
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 , included design and construction of the Kathryn Wilemon Lake House Event Center and was completed in 2019 .