December 2011 Newsletter

In This Issue
Community Announcements
Holiday Closings
Discover Your Parks
First Monday Trade Days
Happenings in Historic Downtown
Special Events
Chandor Gardens
Contact Us
Recreation
Tyler Sievert
Athletics & Aquatic Coordinator
817-598-4125

First Monday
Karen King
First Monday Trade Days Coordinator
817-598-4351

Main Street
Kim Thieme
Main Street Manager
817-598-4034

Rentals & Reservations
Lisa Gay
Recreation Assistant
817-598-4105

Special Events
Kim Thieme
Special Event
Coordinator
817-598-4034

Parks Maintenance
Shannon Goodman
Parks Supervisor
817-598-4248

Director
Danielle Felts
817-598-4050

General Information
Main Number
817-598-4124
or Fax 817-598-4354
Community
Announcements
Learn to Live United

Give Time
to Change Lives
Be a Volunteer!

817-596-5986
United Way
of Parker County

- - - - -

Explore
Decorated Windows
in
Historic Downtown Shops Of
Weatherford!
This year's theme:
"Let it Snow!"
Holiday Closings at
the City Offices
In observation of corresponding holidays, all non-emergency City of Weatherford Offices will be closed on the following dates:

Christmas
Friday, December 23 Sanitation Services WILL be suspended

Monday, December 26 Sanitation Services WILL be suspended

New Year Day
Monday, January 2 Sanitation Services WILL be suspended

Chandor Gardens
will be closed for the Holidays on the
following dates:
Friday, December 23 Saturday, December 24 Sunday, December 25 Monday, December 26

Join Our Mailing List


Newsletter Archive
December 2011 Issue
Parks and Recreation & Community Relations
119 Palo Pinto Street, Weatherford, TX 76086
8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday
Discover Your Parks
Holland Lake Park - 1419 Holland Lake Road - see map
Holland Lake Park
FEATURES! In terms of activities available and sites to see, Holland Lake Park has something to interest everyone. This 40 acre park is second only to Cartwright Park in terms of acreage. Holland Lake Park's central location and plethora of activities make it a must visit for all residents.
Town Creek Hike & Bike Trail Head
TRAILS!
Holland Lake Park offers walkers, joggers, and anybody simply enjoying the outdoors, over 1 mile of nature trails and concrete trails. Holland Lake is also home to one of four trail-heads connected with the Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail.

Pavilion at Holland Lake
COVERED AREA! A pavilion
is available for rent at Holland Lake as well. The pavilion is complete with electric and restroom facilities. Like all Parks and Recreation pavilions, rentals take priority over general public use. To make reservations on the Holland Lake Park Pavilion please call 817-598-4124.

Holland Lake Park Softball Complex
SOFTBALL! Holland Lake Park Softball Complex opened to the public in the Fall of 2009. The complex hosts many Parks and Recreation leagues and tournaments throughout the year. For more information on leagues or tournaments, or private reservations of ball fields, contact the Recreation Coordinator or check out the Adult Sports page.

Historic Holland Cabins
 
HISTORY! Holland Lake Park also has historic evidence of Parker County's rough and tumble past. On display are two double log cabins built in the mid-1800s and relocated to their current site. For more information please follow the link to Park Histories.


 
Camp Holland
ACTIVITY! Camp Holland is located within the borders of Holland Lake Park. Camp Holland received a breath of new life in the Fall of 2011 by local Boy Scouts who plan to use the site for many future events. Camp Holland will also soon be available for special event usage by outside patrons as well. For information on Camp Holland, call 817-598-4124.
Spring 2011 KIDFISH Participants
 
FISH! Holland Lake Park is the location of two youth fishing events every year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Holland Lake is also on the list of Texas Parks and Wildlife stock ponds; therefore, fresh stocks of new fish are added several times a year!
Fish commonly caught in the Lake include: Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Bass, Perch, and Trout weather permitting.

 

NEW! An additional fishing opportunity is hatching for Weatherford anglers as about 300 Rainbow trout are scheduled to be released into the pond at Holland Lake Park on December 6. "This is the first time trout have ever been stocked in our area," said Weatherford Parks and Recreation Director, Danielle Felts. The Crystal Lake Hatchery is set to release the trout mid-afternoon on December 6.

There will not be an organized fishing event in conjunction with the
stocking of trout. "In warm weather there are folks fishing Holland
Lake all of the time," Felts said. "The stocking of the trout will hopefully
increase the amount of people at the pond this time of year, and afford our community the opportunity and experience of catching trout without
leaving town."

Trout are not common in the area because they cannot survive in water with warmer temperatures for an extended period of time. The fish can survive in water temperatures below 70 degrees and in high-quality water with plenty of oxygen. Weather permitting, the trout should last until April 2012. Any left at that time will likely die because of the higher water temperatures; therefore, this is a "CATCH and KEEP" program! "Along with not surviving the warmer water temperatures, the trout are not going to reproduce. The trout stock is more about the experience and promoting people to get outside and be active this time of year."

A valid Texas fishing license is required for people 17 years of age and
older, with a limit of 5 trout per day and no minimum length or weight.
For additional information, call 817-598-4124.
 

WILDLIFE!
When you visit Holland Lake Parks, be sure to bring your duck food or bread crumbs! The ponds are called home by several friendly resident ducks that love to be fed!


 
 
PLAYGROUND!
Holland Lake Park also offers a playground, picnic tables, and grills for your use.

 
 
 
SPECIAL EVENTS!
Holland Lake Park is also the location of the annual Movies in the Park held in June. The public restroom facility and concession area offers the perfect site for an outdoor movie and tons of family fun. The event is always free to the public.
Come Play With Us
ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
  • Church League Champion - North Main Church of Christ
  • Men's Double Header League Champion - No Doubt
  • Men's League Champion - Texas Hitmen
*Co-ed Competitive and Recreation League Champions will be announced on December 2.

ADULT SOFTBALL SPRING SEASON
The Spring Softball Leagues are tentatively scheduled to begin on March 12. Registration will begin on February 13.

OPINION POLL... USSSA or ASA?
Do you prefer one league over another? Adult softball players please remember to complete the USSSA vs. ASA opinion poll online or by email. If you have questions as to the differences in the two leagues contact Tyler Sievert at 817-598-4125 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
First Monday Trade Days
MARK YOUR CALENDAR - UPCOMING FIRST MONDAY DATES
December 2, 3, and 4
December 30, 31, and January 1
February 3, 4, and 5

Merchandise found at First Monday
Visitors have always been attracted to First Monday for the variety and uniqueness of this open-aired market. With a history of buying, selling and trading for over 100 years, a person can find almost anything at the First Monday Trade Days (FMTD). Many products available from a diverse group of vendors including, but not limited to, crafts, second-hand items, handmade furniture and hay. If your taste leans towards pottery, clothing, jewelry, iron works, plants, farm equipment, pet supplies, saddles, tack, leather goods, collectibles, antiques, or crafts, you will find it at FMTD. Be sure to enjoy the 'festival food' during your visit.

New things are happening at the Weatherford FMTD. Larger spaces, livestock vendors, new facilities, and a general upgrade of the grounds are all on the agenda. Old traditions are still with us, we are just working on a new look with attractions and fun activities for everyone! The FMTD is recognized as on of the most popular tourist attractions within the City of Weatherford. The event is located conveniently in the heart of Weatherford, adjacent to the Chamber of Commerce and the local Farmers Market.

FMTD has a tradition and commitment to excellence rolled into one. Described as an ideal place for vendors from around Texas to showcase and sell their products, the event will continue to meet expectations of the visitors and build on an excellent reputation.

Come see us the Friday, Saturday, Sunday BEFORE the First Monday, each month throughout the year!
Happenings in Historic Downtown Weatherford

"DECK THE WALLS"

Dustin Reichelt and Roger Johnston of the
Parks and Recreation Department hang lights downtown.
The Lights are on in Historic Downtown Weatherford!

It takes a lot of planning, organization, and hard work to bring the Christmas spirit to Historic Downtown Weatherford; however, the City of Weatherford Main Street Program and Parks and Recreation Department have gone above and beyond this year with additional lighting and garland.

As the Courthouse is the property of Parker County, the City of Weatherford Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the four quadrants surrounding the courthouse. Therefore, in working through the 2010-11 budget cycle, the City of Weatherford's Main Street Program utilized every tiny bit of savings possible to begin enhancing the decorations already in place.

"One of the most common complaints I have heard over the last two years since the city has been recertified as a Main Street Community, is the lack of Christmas lights in our downtown," said Main Street Manager, Kim Theme. "From purchasing to the labor of hanging holiday lighting, Christmas lights are probably one of the most expensive decorations you will find. By off-season savings and partnering with the many assets of our organization, we were able to take the first step to bringing more light to the downtown. With a couple of additions each and every year, my hope is that downtown Weatherford will be on everyone's destination list for the holidays."

The lights are set on automatic timer and will be lit each evening 5:00pm to 10:00pm and also every morning 5:30 am to 8:30 am.

Weatherford Main Street Program Receives National Recognition!
Texas Main Street Program State Coordinator Debra Farst left and Deputy Executive Director for the Texas Historical Commission Terry Colley, right, present Main Street Manager, Kim Thieme with the National Recognition Award.
The Texas Historical Commission and the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced that the City of Weatherford received National Recognition as a Main Street Community for the second consecutive year. Cities selected as National Main Street communities must show above average performance in 10 categories focusing on planning, staff and volunteers, preservation ethic, training and individual program assessment.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we've also come a long way in a very short period of time," commented Main Street Manager, Kim Thieme. "The most difficult thing to remember is that Downtown Revitalization is not a process that happens overnight; it takes time, volunteers, and lots of patience. We look forward to what the next few years will bring."
Special Events
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
Christmas on the Square
Mark your calendars for the always popular Christmas on the Square event! This year, the extravaganza will be held on Saturday, December 3, from 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm in Historic Downtown Weatherford. This year's event time change from evening hours to afternoon hours will allow for new, enhanced attractions and vendors. Most shops throughout the downtown area will remain open after the event for patrons to do more holiday shopping.

CHRISTMAS PARADE
The Weatherford Christmas Parade will be start at 10:00 am which will precede Christmas on the Square event; beginning at the Ninth Grade Center on South Main, continue around the downtown courthouse, and finish at the Ninth Grade Center. For more information about Weatherford's Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square, please contact Weatherford Chamber of Commerce at 817-596-3801.

LETTERS TO SANTA
He is making a list and checking it twice...

Kids of all ages, let Santa know your wishes this year! Send your gift list early so the Elves can get to work. The Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring LETTERS TO SANTA this holiday season. Beginning December 1st, letters may be dropped in the giant mailbox outside of Old City Hall at 119 Palo Pinto for express delivery to the North Pole.

In return, letters containing a self-addressed, stamped envelope and received by December 19th; will receive a return letter from Santa ensuring warm smiles and memories for the holiday season. If "old-fashioned" mail delivery is too slow for you, then you can email your list to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Santa will answer emails as well.
Contact: Lisa Gay, Recreation Assistant, 817-598-4105.

CAST YOUR VOTE IN THE FANTASY FOREST AT CITY HALL
Last call to bid on your favorite Fantasy Forest Christmas Tree! Every year, local non-profit organizations decorate and set up Christmas trees in the foyer of City Hall, 303 Palo Pinto Street. The public has the opportunity to bid on their favorite tree for a chance to take it home, fully decorated! Patrons also have the opportunity to cast their vote for the People's Choice Award. The groups that decorate the winning trees will receive a monetary prize. In addition, the highest bid monies on each tree will go directly back to each non-profit organization.

This year, 15 groups participated, filling City Hall with festive holiday spirit! Be sure to explore the Fantasy Forest and cast your bids by this Friday, December 2. Trees will be picked up by the new owners shortly after the bid deadline closes.
Fantasy Forest Trees for auction

TOUR OF HOMES
The Chandor Gardens Annual Holiday Open House is held in conjunction with the Parker County Heritage Society Tour of Homes. This is the 30th year the owners of some of Weatherford's oldest and finest homes have opened their doors to welcome visitors for the Candlelight Tour of Homes. As the Holiday Open House for Chandor is FREE, tickets for the Tour of Homes are now available at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, Doss Heritage and Culture Center and online at www.parkercountyheritagesociety.com.
Chandor Gardens

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Visit with Santa
Claire Nowell tells Santa what she would like for Christmas.
The Chandor Gardens Annual Holiday Open House is Saturday, December 10, from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Come celebrate the Holidays at this FREE event in Chandor Gardens! Enjoy a stroll through the Gardens and a tour of the Chandor Mansion decorated in splendor of the season. Area singers and musicians will be performing while Santa finds out your Christmas wishes! Santa will be appearing at the Chandor Gardens Mansion from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Saturday, December 10. For information, please call, 817-613-1700, Karen Nantz, Chandor Gardens Manager.
We look forward to sharing more news and upcoming events with you next month. If you wish to have a specific item or information featured in the newsletter, please contact any staff member. We always appreciate your comments or feedback.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

 

Sincerely,
Parks and Recreation & Community Relations Staff
City of Weatherford