Routh Creek Parkway in Richardson opens with ribbon cutting

by Andrew Laska of Richardson Echo

The Routh Creek Parkway, Richardson's newest road, opened today with a ribbon cutting. It marked another milestone in the development of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Campus in Galatyn Park. There was a chance of rain that threatened to mar the event, but it did not materialize.

The road was the culmination of an $8 million project partnership between the City of Richardson, Collin County, and Koll Development. On hand were, members of the Richardson City Council, Collin County representatives like County Commisioner Jerry Hoagland, and descendants of Jacob Routh. Also present were various representatives from Koll Development, Galatyn Park Corporation, Kimley-Horn, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

Richardson City Manager Bill Keffler called the Blue Cross Blue Shield campus the most significant development in the area since the EDS campus was build in Plano.

Mayor Gary Slagel recognized dignitaries in attendance and noted that when Blue Cross Blue Shield was convinced to stay in Richardson that it was good "because you can always wake up and have someone leave your city."

Collin County Commisioner Jerry Hoagland recognized the partnership between Richardson and Collin County and said the strength of the project reflected the roots of Richardson having well thought out plans going all the way back to Mayor Ray Noah's time.

Don Dillard, president of the Galatyn Park Corporation, especially recognized the history of the area and gave recognition to the descendants of Jacob Routh who were present.

Also speaking were Darrin Rodgers, president Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Don Mills, senior VP of construction project management, Koll Development.

The event culminated with a ribbon cutting, which included the descendants of Jacob Routh taking part.