The ice storm and cold weather has left many Plano Parks with potentially unsafe conditions due to damaged trees. Residents and park users should avoid the use of parks, athletic sites, trails, and park facilities until park crews have identified potential hazards and removed damaged trees and fallen limbs/debris. Caution is advised when using trails or pedestrian bridges since ice or slippery areas may remain.
Park staff will assess all sites during the week of Dec. 9 and prioritize recovery efforts. With more than 4,000 acres of parkland, some potential hazards may continue to exist until all sites can be secured and problems fully addressed. Park users should not attempt to go through or under leaning trees or low hanging limbs that are located over trails, pedestrian bridges, playgrounds, parking areas, etc.
Park staff has been assisting Public Works with immediate tree problems in public right-of-ways and in alleys to clear access for emergency vehicles and Environmental Waste collections. Public building parking lots with damaged trees are also being cleared. Tree and landscape materials that are broken and pose an immediate hazard will be addressed first, but the resulting debris may be piled up for removal at a later date. Additional information will be posted as park sites and public grounds are inspected and conditions improve. Problems in the parks or along trails may be reported to parksinfo@plano.gov, using the Fix It Plano app, or calling 972 941-7263.
As the thaw continues, falling ice continues to be a problem in the city, including at the Plano Municipal Center.  Staff continue to see  huge sheets of ice falling from the 3rd floor roof directly onto the pedestrian pathway at the north entrance of the building. Please use caution as you exit and enter any building this afternoon.
