Parks & Recreation Advisory Board Regular Session — October 22, 2026

The Weatherford Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met in regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Mount Pleasant, 213 Raymond George Way, Weatherford, Texas. Chair Kathe McDonald presided; Kindra Lucia, Doreen Dromgoole, Calynn Mullins, Brooke Cray, Grant Mills, and Chase Rutledge were present, constituting a quorum, along with Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick and Board Secretary Sin Kroll. The board unanimously approved the July 23, 2026 minutes, received the FY26 Q4 staff report, heard a citizen's concerns about Soldier Spring Park, and discussed a proposed jet ski race series partnership.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of July 23, 2026: Approved unanimously by motion and second, with no corrections or additions.

Staff Report: FY26 Q4 Programming, Events, and Projects

Director Jaycob Kirkpatrick presented the July–September 2026 quarterly report covering parks maintenance, capital projects, recreation, special events, and facilities:

• Parks maintenance: Goats cleared vegetation and tall grass at Carl Lake, Heritage Park, and the creek channel; the amphitheater received top dressing before July 4th; the Market Park splash pad was repaired and operated for the rest of the summer; the Love Street splash park completed its first full summer with zero problems and used less water than the older splash pad.
• Capital projects: Beach construction started at the Marina and is ahead of its spring break schedule; Texas Parks & Wildlife approved the McGratton Park grant this week, requiring only minor signage changes, with skate park construction expected next month; demolition began October 21 at Holland Lake for the new large playground; the new Parks & Recreation/Development Services office off Columbia is targeted for January completion; Center Point Road median improvements (from Costco) will go to City Council in two meetings, with construction expected within the next few weeks.
• Recreation: Pools operated all summer with long waitlists for swim lessons; full-day summer camp served 130 participants; a dog swim event closed out the pool season. Mount Pleasant was rented 34 times in three months; 30 private pool parties were held; Camp Holland was rented 31 times; Holland Lake's three softball fields logged 190 reservations; 85 adult softball teams played the two summer league seasons; 10 tournaments were booked at Holland Lake; swim team participation was about 130.
• Special events: Spark in the Park drew about 10,000 people; a Fleetwood Journey cover band concert attracted about 4,000; Monster Bash drew almost 7,000; National Night Out also drew a large crowd. First Monday Trade Days vendor rentals were lower because of summer heat. The 'Jack and I nights' seasonal event (as transcribed) ran that evening through Saturday. The 55-foot Christmas tree from Michigan arrives November 17, with the tree lighting set for the Monday of Thanksgiving week and a new drone show planned.
• Facility maintenance: 176 service requests were completed; new flooring was installed at the public safety building; the restroom renovation at the service center was completed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Wayne Worthy, a resident of about 30–35 years living off Mockingbird Street, expressed concerns about Soldier Spring Park. He said the roughly one-mile asphalt walkway, last top-coated 10–15 years ago, is degraded and needs replacement. He reported people of all ages riding electric bicycles, scooters, and Segways in the park, saying his wife has nearly been run over a couple of times and cannot hear the quiet battery-powered vehicles approaching from behind. He cited a city code update he said passed in August 2025 prohibiting motorized vehicles—including battery-powered bicycles—in parks, with a $500 fine for a first offense, but said most people do not know the rule and enforcement is difficult. He also raised tree maintenance and fire safety, describing the roughly 6–8 acre park as unmanaged, with dead trees still standing, storm debris left along walkways, homes nearby at risk if a fire started, and potential city liability if limbs injured walkers. Worthy praised the parks department's growth and successes elsewhere (Heritage Park, Chandler Gardens) but said Soldier Spring Park needs more attention. Director Kirkpatrick replied that the issues are maintenance items within the park department and will be addressed.

Discussion Items

• WSGP/WXGP jet ski race series (proposed partnership): Director Kirkpatrick and a board member met with the independent jet ski race series about holding a three-day race at the lake (referred to as 'Linkworth' in the transcript), with about 165 participants. The series is family-friendly—Yamaha donates product for kids' test courses—and the beach and volleyball court would remain open. It would be one of about 20 races in their season, and the organizers carry insurance, handle setup and teardown, and have support from other city managers. Kirkpatrick said EMS and police support would be standard and feasible. Board members were receptive; Doreen Dromgoole suggested coordinating with April Pools Day on April 9 to draw families, and the organizers indicated they do not want anything before the end of March. The item will be placed on a future agenda.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of the July 23, 2026 regular session approved unanimously.
• The jet ski race series proposal will be added to a future agenda, with staff continuing to verify dates and avoid conflicts.
• Staff acknowledged the citizen's Soldier Spring Park maintenance and signage concerns for follow-up by the park department.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2027, at 5:30 p.m. at the Harberger Hill Community Building, 701 Narrow Street, Weatherford (rendered 'Harbor Hill' in the transcript).
• Meeting adjourned at approximately 5:59 p.m.