The University of Texas at Arlington is partnering with the city of Grand Prairie to redesign the interiors of the rental cabins at Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake.
Loyd Park, one of North Texas' most popular outdoor recreational destinations, offers rental cabins for overnight visitors seeking a more comfortable and elevated camping experience.
"This collaboration is a powerful example of how UT Arlington can work with our community partners to enhance community spaces directly," said Hannah Lebovits, assistant director of UTA's Institute of Urban Studies. "The Loyd Park cabin redesign reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the connection between people and place."
Faculty from UTA's interior design program will reimagine the park's iconic cabins, bringing fresh ideas to keep the park vibrant and inviting. The redesign is expected to be completed by the end of the summer with the next steps working with the city to start implementing UTA's design. UTA successfully presented its project to the Grand Prairie City Council on Tuesday.
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"As a proud UT Arlington alumnus, I'm especially excited about this partnership to breathe new life into the Loyd Park cabins," Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen said. "Working with UTA's talented design students brings a fresh perspective that will help make each cabin more inviting, distinctive and reflective of the natural beauty that makes Loyd Park such a special place."
Dr. Lebovits said the design concepts will be developed in collaboration with the city, underscoring UTA's commitment to aligning with community partners around a shared vision.
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The Loyd Park cabins project is the latest in a series of projects led by UTA's Institute of Urban Studies in partnership with communities near the University. Other efforts include a staffing study for the Dallas County Constable's Office and a campus planning initiative with Hill College in Hillsboro, one of Texas' oldest community colleges.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 41,000, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation's top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.
