Developer seeks specific use permit for driving-range entertainment complex; public hearing set for June 10

Tony Winkler, representing Texas Wedge and the applicant for Z2025-023, told the Rockwall Planning and Zoning Commission the proposal is an entertainment-focused driving range and event venue intended as a family-oriented destination with food, arcade and practice bays that include ball-tracking technology. Winkler said the revised concept reduces land area and netting costs compared with an earlier, larger proposal and aims to lower operating costs for customers.

Henry, a city planner, described the request as a specific use permit for outdoor commercial amusement and a structure exceeding 60 feet for a driving range; the applicant is requesting netting and outdoor-amusement approvals and asked for netting up to 75 feet. Henry said the ordinance allows up to 240 feet by specific use permit, and staff noted the current request is lower than an earlier SUP that had allowed up to 210 feet for a site north of this property.

Commissioners and staff focused substantial discussion on parking. Staff said it will calculate required spaces by summing code parking ratios for each use (restaurant, office, retail, amusement) and requested a floor-plan breakdown so staff can verify the parking requirement under current code. Commissioners raised concerns about cumulative parking demand in the Fitzport/Amerisports area and about spillover into adjacent streets; staff noted Amerisports has added rear parking and that site circulation and a trail connection between uses may help reduce on-street parking.

Winkler said the concept emphasizes family entertainment more than traditional golf-range practice, and described technology to serve competitive golfers and casual entertainment users. He cited cost reductions from earlier designs—chiefly in netting and land footprint—and said the design uses a one‑story building with multiple hitting areas and a family-oriented food/retail component.

No final action was taken; staff scheduled a public hearing on the SUP for June 10, 2025, to allow the applicant to provide more detailed floor plans and parking calculations.