Residents voice ideas

A Willow Park Parks and Recreation meeting Oct. 29 drew 30 participants adding suggestions to upcoming public park improvements and expansions. Being more of a town hall gathering than an official board meeting, the night had the feeling of an upbeat class participation project.

Led by park board member and Willow Park Mayor Pro Tem Lea Young, residents discussed Cross Timbers Park and Demonstration Garden at 631 Ranch House Rd., Veterans Memorial Park east of Cross Timbers Park, and Kings Gate Park and Trails along Clear Fork Trinity River off Kings Gate Road.

"We think it will be a good idea to get your input and feedback for our survey, so we wanted you all to come tell us what you think and what are your ideas," Young told the group.

Parks board members and city employees Rose Hoffman (communications director) and Mandy McCarley (parks and rec director) logged suggestions as participants spoke of restrooms, sidewalk lighting, parking, improvements to Memorial Park, playground equipment, and the placement of a possible disc golf course at Kings Gate Park.

The ideas will be assimilated into an online survey. Visit flashvote.com/willowparktx to register and decide how you would like to receive your survey.

Parks board meeting

The City of Willow Park Parks and Recreation Board met before the public input meeting to cover official business and welcome Mandy McCarley to a new Parks Director position. She will be taking over duties for all city parks including upcoming programming and improvements.

McCarley was Aledo High School Athletics Secretary for 10 years before working for the City of Willow Park starting in July 2023.

The Willow Park Parks Board meets quarterly, with the next meeting 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 4. The Willow Park City Council meets 6 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings are at Willow Park City Hall, 120 El Chico Tr.