David L. Cook has been the Mayor of Mansfield since 2008. He’s also a partner at the law firm Harris Cook, LLP. This month, he discusses how his city has evolved during his tenure and how things look for the future.
Arlington Today: In a nutshell, what’s the state of the City of Mansfield during the summer of 2019?
David Cook: The City is open for business! The City has worked hard to create a sound infrastructure of pubic utilities and services to allow businesses moving to Mansfield the resources they need to succeed. We are a growing community that is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our pro-business attitude, highly-rated school district and award-winning parks and recreational facilities give our current and future workers a great city to work, live and raise their families.
AT: Now that you can be categorized as
a longtime mayor of the city, what accomplishments regarding your city over the past few years especially stand out to you?
DC: I am happy to see the completion of Highway 360 and am excited about all the economic opportunities and growth it will bring to Mansfield. Recent developments, like the Shops at Broad, have now become a reality and will provide over 430,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and open park space for our community to enjoy. In addition to the new growth, infrastructure improvements in our Historic Downtown are underway and will help to boost the current revitalization that is underway.
AT: The kind of success your city has enjoyed doesn’t happen by accident. Please share something about the nature of the business people, government officials and residents that has spawned such remarkable growth and excitement in recent times.
DC: Mansfield has been very fortunate to have our current City Manager, Clayton Chandler, who has managed our city for over 35 years. His leadership has provided our city with the direction needed to navigate us through our rapid growth and expansion. Through our carefully chosen public-private partnerships, we have been able to provide high-quality developments that have a positive impact on our residents. As a master-planned city, the vision set forth by our former community and government leaders has positioned Mansfield as a highly sought after community for new residents. Even with the quick growth, Mansfield continues to maintain a small town feel and charm.
AT: What are some of the more important and exciting things residents can look forward to in the near future?
DC: As the construction of the Shops At Broad moves forward, residents can enjoy the continued openings of new stores and restaurants. We are expecting more nightlife and dining choices to take root in Historic Downtown, adding to the already developing area. Also, what may seem never-ending to some people, residents can look forward to the completion of our major roadway construction.
AT: If someone was going to visit the city, what highlights should they be sure to include on their itinerary?
DC: For this time of year, definitely take the family to Hawaiian Falls. The Shops at Broad currently offers shopping options and is located next to the StarCenter, a 78,000-square-foot duel-rink ice skating facility, and The FieldHouse recreational sports facility. For
outdoor enthusiasts, I recommend a visit to Mansfield National to enjoy a round of golf on a championship golf course or view scaled-down replicas of famous ballparks at Big League Dreams. Visitors can walk or cycle on our linear trail system that stretches for miles and connects five parks and the Historic Downtown business district, or explore the 80-acre Oliver Nature Park.
AT: What is your most satisfying accomplishment as mayor of Mansfield?
DC: My most satisfying accomplishment as mayor would be playing a small part in creating a growing community that provides a high quality of life for everyone who lives here. I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to continuing on our road of success attracting high quality developments and expanding our award winning park system for our residents to enjoy and take pride in.
