Crystal McCoy
cmccoy@weatherforddemocrat.com
Big changes are taking place in public parks across Weatherford. Here is a closer look at changes in the works and those to come.
Holland Lake Park
Following the Texas Junior Anglers event Saturday, Holland Lake Park, along with the through street, will close for major renovations.
Phase one of renovations includes the development of new ball fields, parking lots, restrooms and concessions. Phase two includes improvements to the lake.
The entire process is expected to take between nine and 12 months, according to Director of Parks and Recreation Kathy Mosby.
Additional improvements to the playground area and trail system are also in the plans. The two log cabins and the pavilion will remain at the park. There are no plans to make any changes at the Girl Scout camp.
“[When completed, the] park will be ADA accessible, which it currently is not,” Mosby said. “We’ve got a lot of rock out there and not a lot of walkway. There will be a nice path to loop through the main areas of the park. In addition to the current nature trails, we will also add in some hard scape trails as well.”
The fenced off drainage channel currently dividing the park into two sides will be removed during the renovation process. Mosby said the channel will be covered and the drainage redirected through the lake.
Another big change to the park will be the elimination of Holland Lake Drive as a through street around the park. Park patrons will still be able to enter the park by way of Santa Fe Drive or Clear Lake Road as in the past, but each entrance will feed into a dead-end parking lot.
“There will be no fear of motorists speeding or people cutting through the park,” Mosby said. “There will be a hiking trail where the road currently is. It’s going to be nice, quieter and safer without having vehicles going through there.”
Love Street Park
Work continues on Love Street Park. When the park celebrates its grand opening Friday, June 13, the park will include a spray ground feature along with other water amenities, a pond, playground equipment, a basketball court, open space for athletic practice and hike and a bike trail.
“It will be open just in time for the hot summer,” Mosby said.
Cherry Park
New changes to the public pool will also be completed just in time for summer swimmers. The pool house, bath house, ticket booth, storage and office are all undergoing improvements as part of the ongoing renovations at Cherry Park.
Mosby said the pool will be ready for opening day Saturday, May 24.
“Next year we will finish up that park on the southwest corner where the gazebo is,” Mosby said. “The hike and bike trail will loop around that portion, we will add parking and improve the Cherry Park Center.
Marshall and Cartwright parks
Marshall Park, a community park on the corner of Fifth and Elms streets, is on the docket for improvements next year.
A master plan is in the works for Cartwright Park, the city’s largest park acreage wise.
Mosby said there is no money in the budget to actually make changes to the 40 undeveloped acres at the park at this time, but there is money available to create a master plan for the area.
In total, Weatherford has nine public parks totaling in at more than 400 acres.
“We are doing good for our size,” Mosby said about park space in town. “As we get bigger we’d like to acquire new park land and open space, but right now we have a good ratio.”
For more information on what Weatherford parks offer and their locations, visit weatherfordparks.com.
Local News
April 18, 2008
Holland Lake Park to close for redo
- Local News
-
-
Sheriff, judge at odds over mailer
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler sent out a statement and automatic phone calls across the county Wednesday saying he did not endorse incumbent 43rd District Judge candidate Trey Loftin, following a mailer sent by the judge’s campaign that included a quote from Fowler.
However, Loftin said Thursday Fowler made the referenced statement to a room full of people at a fundraiser for Loftin and agreed to let Loftin’s campaign quote the sheriff. - Film director looking for local actors
-
Book Smart
- Pastors: bring prayer back
- Weatherford council approves rezoning requests
- City won’t accept recall petitions
-
Gymnasts display all-around talent
- Honoring their own
- WISD band director to retire
-
Escapee kills self after pursuit
- More Local News Headlines
-
Jimmy Carter Endorses Egypt's Election Results
Biden Addresses West Point Graduating Class
Dozens of Children Killed in New Syria Attack
Raw Video: Activists Allege Massacre in Syria
NJ Man Charged With Murder in Death of Patz
Support, Fun for Kids of Fallen Soldiers at Camp
Fugitive Penguin Caught, Returned to Aquarium
50 Years Later, Underground Fire Still Burning
Light Show Transforms Sydney Opera House
Raw Video: Unruly Passenger Restrained in Miami
Raw Video: Robber Uses Drive-thru Window
Raw Video: Dragon Arrives at Space Station
Calif.'s Coronado Named Nation's Best Beach
CEO Salaries Become Sore Issue in Labor Disputes
Raw Video: Fight Erupts in Ukrainian Parliament
Texan Ranchers Remain Wary of Drought
Raw Video: Soldiers Plant Flags at Arlington
Police: Man Arrested in Etan Patz Disappearance
NYC Protests: the Revolution Will Be Scripted
Chicago U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald Resigns
