Frisco is hoping to turn batteries into beauty by receiving funding to clean up the Exide Plant and ramp up the proposed Grand Park.
The Exide Plant, which previously functioned as a battery recycling center owned by Exide Technologies, was shut down in 2012 after environmental concerns from the government. From 1996 to 2012, the 102-acre property recycled millions of car and industrial batteries. It has remained abandoned for over a decade, and the property just so happens to be adjacent to the land set aside for Grand Park.
The idea to transform this area was first brought up in the Frisco City Council on Jan. 7. Several City officials later traveled down to Austin to discuss funding with members of the 89th Legislature. In a Feb. 18 council meeting, Council member John Keating said they met with the Appropriations Committee to discuss funding and could see up to $35 million given to this project.
The potential $35 million dollars donated to this cause would go towards cleaning up the contaminated land; making sure it is clean and safe for public park use. The cleanup process, which could last anywhere from five to seven years, would include a floodwall to stop contaminated water flow, removing slag (battery waste) and contaminated soil, and monitoring groundwater.
Adding this land to the Grand Park project would aim to give North Texas residents more space to explore nature, spend time with family and friends, and be active. The proposed park is set to follow the Grand Park Phase 1A Master Plan, which would introduce a sports park, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, a sculpture garden, beach, and rose gardens to the property.
