CELEBRATING COMMUNITY Crowley also hosts various community events throughout the year, which help bring residents together and foster a sense of community. One of the most significant events is the Fourth of July annual Celebration of Freedom, which draws more than 11,000 people to Bicentennial Park. “For a city of 21,000, having 11,000 people come out for a single event is a huge deal,” says Winner.“People come from all over to enjoy the fireworks and festivities.” Other popular events include a concert series, Movies in the Park, and a fall festival. The city recently introduced an adult Easter egg hunt, which was a massive hit and is expected to become a regular event.“There’s always something going on in Crowley,” Winner adds.“We have a full calendar of events that keep our residents engaged and connected.” LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY As Crowley continues to grow, the city’s leadership is focused on long-term planning to ensure sustainable development. One of the areas of focus for 2024 and beyond is the implementation of the Parks Master Plan, which includes constructing new amenities in Bicentennial Park, Crowley’s largest green space. “We’ve done a lot of planning, and now it’s time to start implementing those plans,” says Elgin. “We want to make sure our parks and recreational spaces continue to meet the needs of our growing population.” Crowley is also looking to expand its housing options in the longer term.“We currently have around 3,600 buildable lots that are ready for construction, and we’ve seen a steady demand for new homes,” says Elgin.The city has been working with developers like Bloomfield Homes and the Nehemiah Company to build new residential communities that offer homes and amenities like trails and open spaces.“We want to get creative with our developments, making sure they enhance the overall community rather than just building houses,” Elgin adds. THE BEST IS YET TO COME Crowley, Texas, may be small, but it has big dreams. With a focus on quality of life, strategic growth, and community engagement, the city is well on its way to 297 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 CROWLEY, TX
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