Forney council approves vinyl-coated chain-link fencing for Community Park multipurpose fields

The Forney City Council approved a resolution to contract for temporary security fencing around the new multipurpose fields at Community Park, specifying vinyl-coated chain-link fencing with vehicle access gates.

Council members asked for visual examples and clarifications about appearance and access. Parks Director Kyle Bridal was not present at the meeting; staff said the fencing is expected to be vinyl-coated chain link, likely black, with two roughly 30-foot sliding or automatic vehicle gates and pedestrian access gates. A staff member explained the vinyl coating "makes it a little bit more kid friendly." The project was described as temporary and not requiring concrete footings, though the fence must be durable enough to resist being knocked over or climbed on.

Council discussed access control and scheduling for field rest and maintenance. Staff said gate control and locking schedules will depend on field scheduling to prevent damage and allow periods for the turf to recover. No final gate schedule was set at the meeting.

The item was removed from the consent agenda for brief discussion and then approved as item number 4 by motion; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

The contract documents included a services agreement for security fencing; the staff presentation did not include photos in the meeting attachments, which prompted council questions about the fence's appearance and community concerns about overly secure or punitive designs.

Follow-up items include staff confirmation of fence materials and placement and communication to residents about hours of access once scheduling is finalized.