Kennedale board discusses Sonora Park restroom, pavilion upgrades; pickleball plan remains on hold

KENNEDALE, Texas — At a Jan. 14 work session, the Kennedale Park and Recreation Board discussed plans to add a restroom at Sonora Park and a series of pavilion upgrades, and heard that a proposed move of pickleball courts is on hold while ballpark improvements and a possible land purchase are pursued.

A Park and Recreation Board member said, “I'm gonna be meeting with our city manager on Thursday, and I'm gonna bring that forward to him,” describing staff-level next steps for the proposed Sonora Park restroom. The board discussed locating a new facility near the pavilion so users would not have to walk to the front parking lot, and noted sewer-line constraints behind the creek and by New Hope Road that could affect siting and cost.

The discussion matters because Sonora Park’s current front restroom was described by a board member as having “two stalls for the women, one stall for the men, plus the urinal,” a configuration several members said is insufficient for events at the pavilion. Board members discussed a single unisex family stall as the lowest-cost option and said two stalls could be considered if funds allow. One member also raised a temporary alternative, saying staff might “just wanna put a potty john.”

Board members also outlined possible pavilion improvements intended to increase use and rental revenue. Proposed upgrades included repainting to brighter colors, adding built-in grills or fireplace-style grills near the pavilion, adding or ensuring electrical outlets, and installing a PA/speaker hookup so renters can plug in event sound systems. One board member said well-equipped pavilions “will make the park, the city some money.”

Security and infrastructure needs were also discussed. Members suggested placing speakers and equipment in protective cages to deter theft, and noted the city is expanding camera installations that began at the town center and city hall. The board was told lighting improvements and new front signage are planned; a contractor was hired for that work but had been delayed by illness.

On recreation programming, the board was told the planned relocation of pickleball courts is on hold while the city manager pursues upgrades to the ballpark and a partnership with the YMCA. “Once [the ballpark] is upgraded, his plan is to put the pickleball at the ballpark,” a board member said. The board discussed a possible land purchase on the west side of the park to provide parking for courts, but members said that purchase is not yet finalized. Separately, a council member identified as Jeff told the board there is not enough space to expand the park’s disc-golf course to an 18-hole layout.

The board asked members to compile a simple checklist of improvements they would like to see and to bring recommendations to the next meeting. A staff member said the checklist could be assembled from items board members submit and then shared with the city manager for follow-up.

On routine business, a motion was made and seconded to approve minutes from the Dec. 10, 2024, meeting; the transcript records the motion and a second but does not record the vote outcome. The board also reserved the right to enter an executive session “pursuant to the below cited section of the State of the Texas Government Code,” and the transcript notes that Corey Hines was expected to join the meeting at 7:15 p.m.

Board members who raised substantive concerns pressed on cost and siting for the Sonora restroom, security for proposed speaker systems, and parking access if courts are moved. Several members emphasized that greater pavilion amenities could increase rentals and community events but acknowledged funding constraints.

A board member said staff will report back after the meeting between staff and the city manager, and members agreed to prepare the requested checklist before the next Park and Recreation Board meeting.