You’ve probably driven past the entrance a thousand times. If you live in East Plano, Bob Woodruff Park is just part of the furniture—a place for a quick jog, a birthday party under a pavilion, or maybe a spot to let the kids burn off some energy. But there’s a weird thing that happens when a place becomes "local." We stop actually looking at it.
Honestly, most people treat this 100-plus acre stretch of green like a generic city park. They think it's just some grass, a couple of ponds, and a trail that connects to Oak Point. But if you dig into what’s actually happening on this land—especially right now in early 2026—you realize Bob Woodruff Park Plano is less of a "neighborhood park" and more of a living, breathing history book that almost got rewritten by a storm a couple of years back.
The 500-Year-Old Ghost in the South Sector
Let's talk about the big one. The tree.
For decades, the "Bicentennial Bur Oak" was the undisputed king of Plano. It was located in the southern section of the park, standing about 300 feet from Rowlett Creek. People called it the Quadricentennial or Quincentennial Bur Oak because, frankly, it was ancient. We’re talking 90 feet tall with a crown that spread over 100 feet. It was here when the U.S. Constitution was signed. It was here before Texas was even a glimmer in a pioneer's eye.
Then came October 2023. A massive storm rolled through, and the giant finally failed. It didn't just lose a branch; the whole thing toppled.
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But here is what most people get wrong: the story didn't end there. In December 2025, the city finally installed a massive new monument at the site. It’s not just a plaque; it’s a full retrospective on what that tree meant to the ecosystem. When they finally got a look at the rings in the hollow center, they confirmed it was likely closer to 500 years old. If you haven't been down to the south side lately, you’ve gotta see the new setup. It feels less like a graveyard for a tree and more like a shrine to North Texas resilience.
Why the North Core Looks Like a Construction Zone Right Now
If you’ve tried to park near the playground on San Gabriel Drive recently, you’ve probably noticed the fences. It’s a mess.
Basically, the city started the "North Core Renovation" in December 2025. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint. They are literally tearing out the old restroom buildings and the playground to move them out of the flood plain. If you’ve ever seen Rowlett Creek after a heavy rain, you know why. That area turns into a swamp faster than you can say "flash flood."
Here is the 2026 update you need:
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- The Playground: It’s gone for now. They’re building a massive new one with way more shade (thank god).
- The Restrooms: Also being replaced with a modern facility.
- The Volleyball Courts: Getting a total overhaul.
- The Timeline: They’re aiming for completion in early 2027.
So, yeah, if you’re planning a 5-year-old’s birthday party this spring, you might want to look at the South Pavilion instead. The north side is strictly a hard-hat zone for the foreseeable future.
Fishing and the "Other" Pond
Everyone knows the main pond on the north side. It’s the one with the pier where everyone feeds the ducks (even though they probably shouldn't). But the fishing situation at Bob Woodruff Park Plano is actually better than the "neighborhood pond" reputation suggests.
Texas Parks and Wildlife has been stocking this place with Channel Catfish for years. If you’re out there with a simple bobber and some stink bait, you’re almost guaranteed a hit. But the real pros look for the Largemouth Bass. They’re smart, they’ve seen every lure in the book, and they hide deep in the vegetation near the shoreline of the north lake.
One thing people overlook? The wildlife viewing. Because Bob Woodruff connects directly to the 800-acre Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, you get "spillover" wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see bobcats, coyotes, and massive barred owls early in the morning. It’s part of a 1,100-acre corridor of protected land. That’s huge for a city that’s basically paved over everything else.
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The Trail Web: Don't Get Lost in the Connection
The trail system here is a bit of a beast. You have the Bob Woodruff Park Trail, which is about 3.7 miles of concrete loop and spurs. It’s great for strollers and road bikes.
But the "secret" is how it hooks into the rest of Plano.
- The Santa Fe Trail: Connects you to the regional network.
- Oak Point Connection: You can go from the south end of Bob Woodruff all the way up toward Allen without ever hitting a major street crossing.
- The New Los Rios Link: As of early 2026, the city is deep into the staging for the Los Rios Park Trail connection. This is going to eventually link the Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt directly into Bob Woodruff.
Basically, you’ve got about 10 miles of continuous paved trail at your fingertips. Just watch out for the solar lighting project—they’re replacing 17 old light poles around the north pond with solar fixtures this year, so some sections might be dark or blocked off during the install.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading out to Bob Woodruff Park Plano this weekend, don’t just walk the loop and leave. Do this instead:
- Visit the Bur Oak Site: Even though the tree is down, the new monument is a vibe. It’s quiet, respectful, and makes you realize how small our "modern" history actually is.
- Avoid the North Parking Lot: Since the renovation is in full swing, park at the South Pavilion or the school lots nearby if it’s a weekend.
- Go Early for Birds: The waterfowl on the lake are most active right at dawn. Bring binoculars; you’ll see way more than just mallards.
- Check the Creek Level: If it rained 24 hours ago, the low-lying trails near Rowlett Creek will be muddy or underwater. Stick to the high-ground paved paths.
The park is changing. Between the loss of the historic oak and the massive million-dollar renovations on the north end, the Bob Woodruff we knew five years ago is basically gone. But what’s taking its place is a more sustainable, better-connected green space that actually respects the flooding reality of the Texas blackland prairie.