Haslet staff reports court utilization and drainage progress; public producer proposes returning Wild West Fest as future agenda item
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Summary
Public Works reported Community Park court utilization (1,078 platform members, 3,640 reservations, ~30% occupancy), near-complete drainage improvements, and a new water fountain. Producer Kelly Clark requested consideration of reviving a Wild West Fest/rodeo; the board agreed to place that proposal on a future agenda for cost and logistics review.
Public Works provided a mid-meeting presentation on Community Park operations and recent projects. Staff said the park’s reservation platform has 1,078 members (124 Haslet residents) and recorded 3,640 reservations over the trial period, with 2,397 for pickleball and 1,243 for tennis; courts are being used roughly 30% of available hours.
Staff also reported that drainage improvements near the park bridge are nearly complete, with the handrail still pending delivery, and described a newly installed water fountain that includes a sand-wash feature and bottle filler. Public Works said staff are monitoring newly planted memorial trees, applying root stimulator and irrigation where appropriate.
Board members discussed forming or coordinating a playground equipment committee with HEDC-related stakeholders; staff will present more information. The architect for the Veterans Memorial Garden provided deliverables; staff will request a probable cost estimate and linear footage to prepare bid documents or quotes depending on the estimated construction cost.
During public comment, Kelly Clark, a founding member of Heritage Baptist Church and operator of Shoot2 Productions, asked the board to consider bringing back a Wild West Fest or a rodeo-style event — suggesting Armed Forces Day (May 16) as a possible date and noting prior event costs in the $16,000–$20,000 range and substantial vendor participation. The board agreed to add the proposal to a future agenda for further discussion and cost estimates.
Next steps: Engineering and Parks staff will return with playground committee membership options, probable construction costs for the Veterans Memorial Garden, and further analytics on court utilization to guide programming and scheduling decisions. The Wild West Fest/rodeo proposal will appear as a future agenda item for discussion of scope, budget and permits.
