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A new metal sculpture was recently added to the landscape along the east side of the Trinity River walking trails. The sculpture is a stainless steel Alligator Gar that stands 24’ overlooking the river and Willow Park North. The piece was selected to reflect the area and add to the already beautiful scenery.

Joe Barrington is the artist that created “Iron Did Swim” and is from Throckmorton, Texas.  Joe’s work was selected to enhance the area as he was able to truly capture the vision and uniqueness the developer was looking for.  You can learn more about Joe through the Q&A below and be sure to come see his 24’ tall stainless steel masterpiece!

1. How did you get started in art?

I grew up going with Dad to his welding shop to work with him. My Mom and Dad were both very creative. I always drew, carved, made stuff and was a voracious reader. I still have objects I carved or made while I was with Dad when he was working. After working a year in the welding business for Dad, I felt like there was something missing. I decided to go to school. I liked to draw and took some art classes. I had no idea what I wanted to do except go to school and away from the long hours in the oilfield. 

2. What was it that attracted you to welded steel sculptures?

While in school, I found the new sculpture area in the new art building.  I didn’t know much about art, but I did know how to weld. The sculpture instructor was a laid back guy. He said, “I hear you can weld…. build me something.”  So I started with building large tool pieces, the first was a pair of 8 foot pliers. I had heard of the Pop Artist Claes Oldenburg.   

3.  What has been your favorite piece and why?

I get asked this question a lot. Probably one of my favorites is the “Been Fish’en” piece in Lampasas, Texas. In part, because it tells the greater story how an artist’s life influences their work.  When I was about 8 years old, I was with my Dad at a salvage yard. We were standing at the counter. There was a photo of a toy truck with a catfish lying over the top of the truck. I pulled on my father’s pant leg and asked “is that real?” He looked and said, “the fish is real, but it’s lying on a toy truck.” 35 years later, I recall that day and think how cool it would be to recreate that image with a real pickup. I bought a ’59 pickup with a great patina and built the catfish with his head lying on the cab and his tail dragging out the back. So that’s one  of my favorite sculptures that’s part of my story.

3. What do you enjoy the most about being a sculptor?

I enjoy the creativity of figuring out how to make a new piece and how to make/ find textures. I also enjoy the travel and places my sculpture has taken me. I have been able to travel to Japan, Tasmania, Australia, Alaska, and to South America.  

5.  What and/or who are your influences for the pieces you do? Or what inspires you?

My life’s  experiences  inspire me. The time spent outdoors as a kid… I loved the Creek. Creek critters have often found their way into my work. Turtles, catfish, garfish, snakes, birds etc. I have spent most of my life in rural West Texas so the people, the landscape, the weather, and the remoteness all are influences. 

6.  Any projects in the works?  

Yes! Several good projects in the works. I am working on a 25’ Blue Crab for the city of Rockport Texas. A life-sized African Elephant for a private collector and a couple of other large private pieces. I have also been picked for a Fort Worth Public piece that is slowly developing. Hopefully it will be ready to start soon. 

7.  A dream project you have or one that you would love to work on?

It is more of a fantasy…. I tell people I would like to walk in the studio ,build what I want to, push it out the door and the money would appear in my bank account. No hauling. No haggling. No anxiety about money. Just build the sculpture… like I said it’s a fantasy. 

8.  Details on our gar fish.

To the top of the head is 24’ tall x4’ x4! It is constructed of hand-formed 304 Stainless steel.

Published January 9, 2019, in Weatherford Democrat

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Willow Park Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone board, an update on the construction projects that have been completed or are underway within the district was given.

A TIRZ is a method local governments can use to pay for improvements that will draw private investment to an area, according to the Texas Comptroller’s office. It redirects some of the ad valorem tax from property in an area designed as a TIRZ to pay for improvements in the zone. Other taxing entities may also consider participating in the zone and a board is created.

The Willow Park city council authorized the creation of a TIRZ in October of 2016.

Wilks Development has several construction projects completed or underway within the TIRZ, which is about 230 acres encompassing the old race track property and The Shops at Willow Park area.

“We’re really happy about the progress we’ve made to this point and what we’ll make in the future. One of the numbers that we pulled from our team recently, when we started the TIRZ and created the district, the hope is always to grow tax revenue for the city and when we started in 2016, the total tax assessment on the TIRZ was $26,664,000. As of the 2019 assessment it was over $60,000,000 and with all of the construction we have going on, I expect in the next couple of years that number will double,” Wilks Development President Kyle Wilks said. “I feel like when the city looks back on this partnership and we look at this partnership, it’s going to be a win for both of us. There are a lot of partners, people and stakeholders that play a part in that from having a great school district to having great residents and just all-around good people.”

WP City Manager Bryan Grimes said the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Hotel is one of the big projects within the district.

“The Wilks Development has been aggressively trying to populate some lots in the area of the TIRZ — one of which is the Marriott hotel property that’s coming in behind The Shops [at Willow Park]. As of Wednesday, they were laying concrete down and so that’s coming along nicely,” Grimes said. “One of the caveats we put on them before they could go vertical is that they have to complete the slab around the building, but also just north of the dentist office that street there kind of dead-ends and then you have the bridge that’s going over to residential areas, so we’ve required that the street be completed and the bridge be operational before they can begin with the hotel. The reason being is fire safety — we have to have access to get back there.”

Construction on an office building has also been underway just off the Interstate 20 West frontage road next to The Shops at Willow Park.

“My understanding is that Baylor Medical is going to be one of the tenants in that building,” Grimes said. “They had a couple of lots sold in the back part of that property, but the ownership groups of those various projects have backed out for personal situations, so they are trying to market and fill those lots as well.”

Grimes said The Shops at Willow Park are doing well and there has been some turnover, but nothing that was of concern.

“Since we last met, PlainsCapital Bank has completed construction and opened up their facility. Adjacent to that is Nutrition Nation and they have opened up as well, so we’re excited about the front side of The Shops,” Grimes said. “On the back side, where the old race track used to be, they have begun construction on the multi-family, which is just south of Meadow Place Drive. I don’t have a solid timeframe of when that will be completed, but I know they’re doing some grading to get their streets in and utilities in.”

Wilks said they will be constructing some single-family homes in the TIRZ as well.

“We intend to start building single-family homes out there in the next three or four weeks you’ll start seeing the first model homes going up,” Wilks said. “The multi-family project is well underway and they should start pouring concrete soon.”

Grimes said Wilks Development has also been implementing a trails and parks system.

“I think they still have a few things to work on with that, but they’re moving and moving well,” Grimes said.

Wilks said they hope to have the trails system complete sometime this spring.

“Our trails and parks system is well underway. We’re pouring concrete trails all over and we have two bridges that we’ll set in the next two weeks. We have all of our playground equipment coming in probably in the next month or so,” Wilks said. “It’s not open, but I think by probably late March, our trails and parks will be open and I think everybody is going to be pleasantly surprised at what an asset it is for the city of Willow Park and also East Parker County.”

WP TIRZ board member and WP resident Corey Tucker said he was pleased with the progress within the TIRZ district so far.

“I think it’s been very positive and I’m glad that we have a good mix of offerings — restaurants, professional banks, a hotel, retail and residential. I’m looking forward to a continuation of progress and a good mix of projects,” Tucker said. “I’m grateful that it will increase our sales tax and those funds can be used for amenities for residents and future projects. I’ve enjoyed seeing the progress and growth within the TIRZ.”

Find original article here.

Published August 20, 2019, in Weatherford Democrat
Written By: Autumn Owens

The East Parker County Chamber of Commerce held a groundbreaking ceremony to officially welcome the SpringHill Suites by Marriott hotel to Willow Park Tuesday morning.

In May, the Willow Park City Council approved a site plan revision for the 22,650 square foot hotel, which will be located between The Shops at Willow Park and the Willow Park North development that’s currently under construction.

“This is a big day for the city of Willow Park, this is a big day for Parker County. It’s a lot of work involved when you’re going to build something that’s going to be here for the next 50 years and there’s a lot of late nights and a lot of things involved in getting to this point,” Wilks Development President Kyle Wilks said. “In some ways, when you’re in development, it kind of feels like the end when you get to this point, but it’s just the beginning and we’re super excited about the years to come.”

EPCCC President and CEO Lisa Flowers said in 2012 a meeting was held with the mayors of East Parker County about the need for a hotel.

“Everybody unanimously agreed that we needed an event center and hotel in East Parker County, so I met with Kyle in 2012 and it’s 2019, so it does take a long time to make things happen,” Flowers said.

The hotel will feature 88 rooms, a free-standing 5,900 square foot conference center and a pool.

“We’re just happy to be part of the community here. We have 450 SpringHill Suites today that are open and another 250 in the pipeline,” Marriott Area Vice President, Western Region Ron Stewart said. “This brand is very unique — it’s very high in style — and we have 30 brands. This brand always ranks either first or second of the 30 brands in guest satisfaction and that says a lot about what the brand is and the folks that are invested in it.”

WP City Manager Bryan Grimes said the hotel is a business the city has been wanting.

“We think that they’re going to address a growing need in East Parker County and specifically Willow Park, and we look forward to working with them and utilizing the property for events — I’m personally going to put a lot of my family here when they come to visit,” Grimes said. “They’re a great addition to the Wilks Development and are kind of an anchor for the back portion of this development. We’re just excited about having SpringHill Suites here.”

Hotel developer on the project, Hena Masters, said construction on the hotel will begin right away.

“It is humbling to see you all here, to have your support in various ways, and to be here to break the ground for our vision,” Masters said.

WP Mayor Doyle Moss said he is excited to continue improvements in the city.

“We are very excited about Marriott coming to our city and I think it will be a great partnership,” Moss said. “I would like to thank Kyle Wilks and Wilks Development, our city manager and council and the parks and recreation board for making it happen, we’re very excited to improve our city. We have some great things going on in Willow Park, and Willow Park is open for business.”

View article here.

Developing a growing community like Willow Park can often feel like a conundrum. You want it to have all the benefits of a big city but still keep the small-town feel and values of a local community. Within the vision of Willow Park North, Wilks Development is keeping this unique challenge in mind when it comes to expanding and developing the first hotel, a Springhill Suites by Marriott, in the area.

It’s common for people to ask “how will this benefit me?” Well, here’s how…

Event space

As it stands today, the Willow Park area doesn’t have many large event spaces for individuals or businesses to rent out space for events like weddings, corporate events or other larger-scale events.

The new Springhill Suites, scheduled to open in early 2020, will have event space available for rent. The event space can be one large ballroom or divided up into smaller rooms, and also includes a large outdoor area that is part of the rental.

We spoke with one particular business owner, Heather Burton, Parker County franchise owner of the national franchise, Just Between Friends, who is thrilled with the recent announcement:

“We host two events per year, bringing in more than 5,000 people with each event. The events attract local families as well as people who have never visited the area before. I’ve even had people tell me that they’d never been to the area before and after visiting the event and surrounding area, they decided to move their family here!

We have considered hosting a third event but haven’t been able to secure a larger local venue. We are literally bursting at the seams! As a local business owner and resident, I’m thrilled to hear that we’ll be able to rent event space at the new Springhill Suites! Not only will it allow our business to expand but it will also bring additional revenue to the entire area as our event attendees love to shop and will most definitely enjoy all the surrounding stores at The Shops at Willow Park!”

A new place for out-of-town guests to stay

Rather than having to crowd too many family members into your house during the holidays, you now have an alternative. And for good friends who live far away, you’ll be able to maximize their visits to town with a closer option for them to stay.

This is also good news for residents of Aledo and surrounding areas whose children play soccer and other sports who tend to have to travel for tournaments. Previously, there was nowhere for out-of-town participants and their families to stay. Now, with the combination of restaurants, shops and the new Springhill Suites, this area now becomes an attractive venue to host those tournaments.

Positive financial impact for the area

New jobs and increased revenue for all the surrounding businesses due to an increase in visitors to the area all equal more financial resources for local residents and the city.

Who doesn’t need to escape reality for a night or two every now and then?

Whether it’s a girls’ night staycation or a couples’ romantic getaway, you can make the most of your time together by enjoying all of the offerings in Willow Park, including a brand new hotel to stay in.

Take a look at the Springhill Suites website for a peek at the modern look and impressive amenities the new hotel promises to offer. Built with the balconies and pool overlooking the river, it promises to add to the beautifully unique setting of The Shops at Willow Park.

Published December 12, 2018, in Weatherford Democrat
Written By: Autumn Owens

The Willow Park city council unanimously approved a special use permit and site plan for the Springhill Suites by Marriott 60-foot hotel that is proposed to be constructed behind The Shops at Willow Park.

During the public hearing Tuesday, community members Jean Martin and Marcy Galle questioned the process with concerns about the permit and Interstate 20 Overlay District.

“The process staff is using on this agenda item is very confusing and is not currently covered by zoning and use ordinances in our codes,” according to Galle’s email she sent in for the public hearing. “Please understand that I am not against the hotel, but I am against the misuse of this application of the city codes.”

WP Planning Consultant Betty Chew addressed the reason of the special use permit.

“The reason for the special use or specific use request is there is ambiguity,” Chew said. “It is not clear from the map, if this crosses part of [the Interstate 20 Overlay District] or doesn’t cross part of it, so therefore there is a provision in the I-20 Overlay District for a specific use if the structure exceeds 50 feet in height. It has PD and commercial zoning.”

Kyle Wilks, president of Wilks Development, said having a hotel has been the plan from the beginning.

“The hotel is technically not in the Overlay District. This is an opportunity in Willow Park  that will not always be here,” Wilks said. “From the beginning the hotel has always been on the master plan, so it’s not something new or different, it’s always been a part of the process.”

Several other community members were in favor of the hotel.

“If we deny a Marriott, everyone else is going to see that we didn’t open a Marriott and what we’re going to get next is not what we’re going to want,” Shannon Byrd, owner of Byrd Mill in The Shops at Willow Park, said. “We are losing revenue every day because we don’t have anywhere to house people. This just opens the doors for what’s to come in this town and I’m very proud to be a part of it.”

Trinity Christian Academy Head of School Mike Skaggs is also for the hotel.

“We have families come in for a variety of events and we are constantly encouraging them to shop locally, but there is nowhere to stay locally,” Skaggs said. “I’m tired of having to encourage our people to stay on the west side of Fort Worth or in Weatherford and it’s exciting to me to have this opportunity.”

Others who spoke in favor of the hotel included Dr. Joshua Tarbay, owner of Parker County Brewing Company and Weatherford ISD board member; and developer Jim Martin.

The hotel will have a tax benefit for Willow Park and bring in revenue to the city, WP City Manager Bryan Grimes said.

Grimes said as far as the 60-foot height of the hotel that some may be concerned about, there’s a number of reasons for height restrictions but the primary reason that has been brought up is fire protection. Later in the meeting, the council did approve a new ladder truck for the fire department.

“I want to be clear about this, we didn’t buy a fire truck because a hotel was coming. We bought a fire truck because there’s only one [like it] in the county and it’s with the city of Weatherford and we’re thankful for our partnership with them, but if it’s in service and we need it, we don’t have it,” Grimes said. “We also recognize there will be more development coming in that’s going to want to exceed this 30 or 35-foot barrier and so we recognize the need of a ladder truck in the future.”

A survey done by the city that received 113 responses showed that 87 residents said they think WP needs a hotel with 26 saying they do not think WP needs a hotel; 67 residents saying they would use the hotel and 46 saying they would not use it; 42 people saying they would use it for family lodging, 26 for event space rental, 18 for overnight getaways, nine for lodging for sporting events/tournaments; and 92 said they were aware hotel guests from out of town could help fund the city’s tax needs with 17 saying they are not aware.

“The council made the decision to approve the hotel, which is going to be an important thing in our community moving forward,” Grimes said.

View story here.

Published by Weatherford Democrat on February 9, 2019

At the end of the last fiscal year, October 2017 through September 2018, the city of Willow Park made history collecting $1,001,798 in sales tax revenue and is now on track to surpass that amount this fiscal year.

According to the city, at this time last year the city had collected $360,051 in sales tax revenue and has already collected $455,891 since the start of the 2018-19 fiscal year, which began in October.

City Manager Bryan Grimes said WP is averaging roughly $91,000 each month in sales tax revenue and at this pace, should eclipse last year’s total.

“Increased sales tax numbers equate to lower property taxes for our residents but we also feel it shows economic stability and vitality for the city of Willow Park,” Grimes said. “We congratulate all the local businesses whose tireless efforts make it possible for our community to be economically strong.”

Willow Park North, an area of land behind and next to The Shops at Willow Park, is expected to bring even more businesses to the city.

Developer of Willow Park North, Wilks Development, is planning to include town homes, multi-family apartments, single-family homes, retail and office space, a hotel, an amphitheater and community events center.

“The Shops at Willow Park is probably one of the biggest economic improvements we’ve had in the city,” Grimes said at a previous city council meeting.

WP Mayor Doyle Moss said the sales tax revenue shows there is a good partnership between the city, businesses and community.

“I think this is a tribute to our businesses and the job they do in our city making people want to come to Willow Park,” Moss said. “The additional sales tax is going to help us with projects that we need to do. It will help us with our water and our roads and other issues we have, so I think we have a great group of people that do a great job with the businesses and I think we have a great relationship with people.”

For more information, visit www.willowpark.org.

Weatherford Democrat reporter Autumn Owens contributed to this report.