Weatherford council approves $188,335 design contract for McGrath Park remodel, plans inclusive skate facility

The Weatherford City Council voted to approve a professional services contract of $188,335 for design and construction plans for the McGrath Park remodel, moving the project into the design phase.

Jacob Kirkpatrick, director of parks, recreation and special events, presented the project and recommended hiring MHS Planning and Design after an RFQ process. Kirkpatrick said the project stems from the city’s parks master plan and community input; he described proposed components as an "all-inclusive concrete skate park," additional parking, a new playground, a restroom facility, park lighting, and updated basketball courts.

Kirkpatrick said the skate park concept is intended to be accessible to "anybody — wheelchair accessible, skateboard accessible, bike accessible, scooter — any age," and noted alternatives such as a pump track would be evaluated during design. He told council the city received a $750,000 matching grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife toward the project and that staff aims to complete design work by the end of the year so construction can begin thereafter.

Councilmember Heidi Wilder moved to approve the professional services proposal; Councilman Matt Tiscus seconded. The motion passed; the transcript records that consent but does not include a roll-call vote tally in the public record.

Council members emphasized the role of community engagement in advancing park projects, noting citizen feedback contributed to the decision to pursue the skate facility and other improvements. Kirkpatrick said staff will survey adjacent properties to assess options to expand field space in the park plan.

No amendments to the contract terms were recorded during the public discussion; staff will proceed with the design phase under the approved proposal.