Grand Park is moving forward after 20 years of challenges and planning. 

The project is expected to be done in four phases with the first phase expected to be completed in October 2027 after breaking ground in April. 

The details: The first phase is called Civic Park and encompasses 58 acres of the over 1,000-acre park. Civic Park will include an amphitheater, shade structures and restrooms, an orchard, and Arrowhead Pond, which will cover about 3 acres. The other phases include areas called: Adventure Play, Sports Park, Nature Center, and Botanical Garden and Nature Area. Each phase brings with it a distinct personality and adventure, said Shannon Coates, assistant city manager and former director of Frisco Parks and Recreation. Coates was the director of Play Frisco when officials broke ground on the Grand Park project. 

Quote of note: “The return on that investment, not just on the quality of life, but ensuring that we’re a sustainable city for the next 50 to 100 years, is priceless,” former Mayor Jeff Cheney said. 

Rowan, an ear piercing and hypoallergenic jewelry bar, is set to open later this year at Stonebriar Centre. 

The details Rowan will be taking over Suite 2228 at Stonebriar Centre, previously the home of Aveda, which closed in late June.

Rowan is a Mom-founded and women-led piercing business that specializes in “A higher standard for ear piercing by centering safety, medical expertise, and thoughtful care,” said a representative from Rowan.

A new Paris Baguette location is now open near the Plano-Frisco border.

The details: Paris Baguette has a varied assortment of cakes, breads and beverages. Some of its current offerings include its lemon and blueberry or its smores pastries.

Check out five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

This list is not comprehensive.

Upcoming projects

1. Laud Howell Parkway extension

Project: Construction will build two lanes of Laud Howell Parkway between Trinity Falls Parkway and Lake Forest Drive. Private development firm Republic Property Group is constructing Lanes 1 and 2 of the roadway, and the city will construct Lanes 3 and 4.

Update: McKinney City Council approved a design contract with LJA Engineering in June, and design is underway. Construction of Lanes 1 and 2 by Republic Property Group is already underway.

• Timeline: Design is expected to take about 12 months to complete. Construction of Lanes 3 and 4 is expected to begin in 2028.
• Cost: $18 million
• Funding source: city of McKinney, Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant funds