The Park Pit... and recent activity across from Kings Gate Park in Willow Park.
- Manager
- Apr 16
- 6 min read
Summary: The "Park Pit" was the nickname of the hole across from Kings Gate Park, now filled with construction debris. The Park Pit became a City issue in 2016, when the City Council decided to trade the "pocket park Lot 5" in Meadow Place Estates One, for a large hole filled with water, across from the Wilks Development. Michelle Guelker, Assistant City Manager of Operations, continues the Park Pit history of construction debris.
• Latest Update: 15 April, 2025
• Note: Willow Park Civics is about Willow Park but is NOT associated with or managed by the City of Willow Park.
The Park Pit... and recent activity across from Kings Gate Park in Willow Park.
The "Park Pit" was the nickname of the hole across from Kings Gate Park, now filled with construction debris. [1]
The Park Pit became a City issue in 2016, when the City of Willow Park Council decided to trade the "pocket park Lot 5" in the newly developing Meadow Place Estates One, MPE, for about 4 (four) acres, including a large hole filled with water, across from the Wilks Development. [2, MPE Developer and Development Notes and Parker County Appraisal District]
While three houses were built on Lot 5 in Meadow Place Estates One, the Park Pit remained a problem for the City.
C. Michelle Guelker, CPM Assistant Willow Park City Manager of Operations, continues the Park Pit history.
"The 'pit' needed to be filled in. We initially attempted to do this by placing branches and tree limbs from storm damage into the pit and burning them when permitted by the fire department. However, that process was slow and inefficient. Public Works also received complaints about mosquitoes, as the pit provided an ideal breeding ground. Additionally, it was impossible for Public Works to mow or maintain, which allowed water to accumulate continuously." [1]
Until 2023, when the Park Pit became the dumping ground for the City's street and construction debris.
During the 2022 Willow Park Street Improvement Project Phase One [3], XIT Paving and Construction, Inc, "informed us that they needed a location to dispose of the spoils from the street project, I saw an opportunity and took it. The spoils from the street project consisted of dirt, rocks, and concrete that required disposal. Had XIT been forced to take the materials to another site, it would have resulted in significant costs for the city. / At the time, XIT placed each load next to the other so we could inspect the spoils to ensure they contained only dirt, rocks, and concrete. I acknowledge that small pieces of asphalt were included in those piles, but the majority of the asphalt was either hauled to XIT’s asphalt recycling site or recycled on-site during the milling process. [1]
Additional construction debris around the City has been dumped in the Park Pit over the last several years. "There was no written contract—just a verbal agreement." [1]
And although there is currently an increase in dumping and leveling, "once this contractor completes their haul-off, it’s unlikely that Public Works will allow any further dumping, as the majority of the pit is now filled." [1]
" Public Works oversees and maintains the area. [A City employee] has advised me that he will install orange net fencing along the streets. This was part of our plan, but unfortunately, it remains one item among many on our long to-do list. / As for the future of the site, several ideas have been discussed, but beyond filling in the pit, nothing has been decided." [1]
For additional information, contact C. Michelle Guelker, CPM
Assistant City Manager of Operations
City of Willow Park
120 El Chico, Suite A, Willow Park, Texas 76087
Phone: 817-441-7108
Willow Park Civics Sources and Resources
[1] email from City On Mar 28, 2025, at 9:40 AM, Michelle Guelker <mguelker@willowpark.org> wrote:
I don’t know the history of how the city acquired the property. I can only tell you that when I was hired, I was informed that the "pit" needed to be filled in. We initially attempted to do this by placing branches and tree limbs from storm damage into the pit and burning them when permitted by the fire department. However, that process was slow and inefficient.
Public Works also received complaints about mosquitoes, as the pit provided an ideal breeding ground. Additionally, it was impossible for Public Works to mow or maintain, which allowed water to accumulate continuously.
When XIT informed us that they needed a location to dispose of the spoils from the street project, I saw an opportunity and took it.
The spoils from the street project consisted of dirt, rocks, and concrete that required disposal. Had XIT been forced to take the materials to another site, it would have resulted in significant costs for the city.
At the time, XIT placed each load next to the other so we could inspect the spoils to ensure they contained only dirt, rocks, and concrete. I acknowledge that small pieces of asphalt were included in those piles, but the majority of the asphalt was either hauled to XIT’s asphalt recycling site or recycled on-site during the milling process.
About halfway through the project, Jim Martin with JRM Construction approached me with a proposition. In exchange for allowing him to dispose of spoils from a site he was working on off of Bankhead, he would provide personnel and equipment to begin leveling the piles. Since Public Works lacked the necessary equipment and had previously rented a large dozer to level the area, we readily accepted the offer. There was no written contract—just a verbal agreement.
The spoils from XIT and JRM’s construction site make up the majority of the fill in the pit. Additionally, we occasionally added dirt from leaks and excess dirt from the new wastewater treatment plant site.
Chase and I have also allowed a few other companies to dump their spoils at the site. One or both of us have always inspected the source locations to ensure the material consisted solely of rock and dirt.
The most recent contractor permitted to dump is the one working on a commercial business project at the corner of Pitchfork and Stagecoach. Once this contractor completes their haul-off, it’s unlikely that Public Works will allow any further dumping, as the majority of the pit is now filled.
Public Works oversees and maintains the area. Based on the pictures you provided, it appears that neighbors parking their large trucks near the site have taken advantage of the space.
Neither Chase nor I have been made aware of anyone inquiring about the site. None of the information stated above has been a secret—we simply haven't been asked.
Chase has advised me that he will install orange net fencing along the streets. This was part of our plan, but unfortunately, it remains one item among many on our long to-do list.
As for the future of the site, several ideas have been discussed, but beyond filling in the pit, nothing has been decided.
I should also clarify that this area is not currently part of the park system, nor does the Parks Board have any oversight of it.
I’m happy to answer any questions, but everything I know is outlined above.
Sincerely,
C. Michelle Guelker, CPM
Assistant City Manager of Operations
City of Willow Park
120 El Chico, Suite A
Willow Park, Texas 76087
Phone: 817-441-7108
[2] Meadow Place Estates Developer and Development Notes in .pdf
• Parker County Appraisal District
14 April, 2025
Property Information
Legal Acreage: 4.840000
GEO ID: 18483.002.001.00
Legal Description:
Tract or Lot: PT OF 1
Abstract Subdivision Code: TRINITY MEADOWS
Block: 2
Neighborhood Code:
School District: AL
City Limits: CWP
Property Location
Situs Number: 0
Situs Street Prefix:
Situs Street Name:
Situs Street Sufix:
Situs City:
Situs State: TX
Situs Zip: 000000
Owner Information
Owner Name: WILLOW PARK CITY OF
Mailing Address: 516 RANCH HOUSE ROAD
Mailing Address City: WILLOW PARK
Mailing Address State: TX
Mailing Address Zip: 76087
Deed Information
Deed Sequence:
Deed Date: 01/24/2022
Deed Volume:
Deed Page:
Deed Number: 202202860
[3] 2022 Willow Park Street Improvement Projects phase One, Willow Park Civics Blog, posted 05 January 2023
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