Irving District 3 Candidate Kejal Patel

1. As an elected official, what role could you play to promote the use of public spaces for gardens and botanical features that could support beneficial wildlife, like pollinators and native plants?

My role would be to champion "smart scaping" as a fiscal and public health strategy, not just an aesthetic one. Right now, our city spends significant tax dollars mowing and heavily watering non-native turf in underutilized areas, like wide medians and the perimeters of municipal buildings. By transitioning these spaces into native Texan botanical zones and pocket prairies, we drastically cut down our municipal water bills and maintenance costs, while simultaneously creating essential micro-habitats for struggling pollinator populations.

A sterile stretch of grass doesn't invite a family for an evening walk; a vibrant, shaded, native garden does. I would advocate for establishing a "Neighborhood Stewardship Program," where the city provides the native seed and initial botanical planning, while local HOAs, youth groups, Nonprofit Organizations and businesses adopt and maintain these spaces. This builds shared community pride and expands our ecological footprint without ballooning the parks department budget.

2. How could future developments in Irving like the old Texas Stadium site be incentivized to include green spaces and botanical elements?

Running a hospitality business here in Texas has shown me that developers are ultimately driven by predictability and return on investment. If we want world-class green spaces in new developments, we cannot just rely on asking nicely; we have to make it the most economically attractive option.

Instead of treating botanical elements as an afterthought, I would propose introducing a "Green Density Bonus" or a fast-tracked permitting lane for developers who commit to exceeding the bare-minimum landscaping requirements. If a developer is willing to install deep-rooted native canopy, permeable paving, or certified wildlife habitats at the old Texas Stadium site, they should get expedited reviews with a timeline through city hall.

The stadium site is a massive, high-profile canvas.

We need to present a clear vision to developers: integrating robust, drought-tolerant green spaces isn't a penalty to their bottom line, it’s a premium feature. It mitigates the urban heat island effect, significantly raises surrounding property values, and transforms a standard commercial center into a destination where people actually want to spend their time and money.

3. What are some of your favorite places to enjoy nature in Irving / the DFW area?

Right here in Irving, the Elm Fork area of the Campion Trail is a standout for our family. It is incredible to have a genuine river bottom ecosystem right in our backyard. It’s the perfect place to get the kids away from screens, get our heart rates up, and observe how a natural Texas floodplain is supposed to look and function.

I also really appreciate the Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas. While it’s a more structured environment, it’s a brilliant example of how urban planning can successfully integrate water and open-air elements right into the heart of a high-density business district. It proves that "city" and "nature" do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Looking a bit wider across DFW, we love visiting the Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park. Their focus on native plant education and their two-story butterfly habitat are spectacular. It’s a place that perfectly illustrates how practical, native gardening can be stunningly beautiful, and it's exactly the kind of inspiration I look to when thinking about the future of Irving’s public spaces.

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