As one of the city’s first and oldest parks, Jack Hamilton Park has a storied past. Located on the edge of Frisco’s Historic Downtown at the site of the former Hamilton School, the declining facilities had served a diverse neighborhood that is unique to the city, where much of the surrounding land is undergoing New Urbanist redevelopment anchored to the traditional Main Street business district. Valley Quest Design was given the opportunity to prepare and present two different park renovation concepts in a public meeting to community stakeholders; one was selected to become the guide for the future design of the park. Valley Quest Design was then contracted to re-plat the property, obtain site plan approval, and provide bidding and construction documents while working closely with city staff. 

The finished result of the planned improvements includes extensive native landscaping inspired by Texas ecoregions, a loop trail, park signage, bicycle rack, drinking fountain, lighting, and a distinctive shade pavilion. The main attraction is the new nature-inspired play facilities defined by a playful approach to grading and including stone block walls, tunnels, artificial turf mounds, balance stumps, climbing boulders and timbers.