Thursday, December 5, 2024
Shanley Park is set to receive an exciting new upgrade after the Granbury City Council unanimously approved the installation of a new gateway during a regularly scheduled meeting Oct. 15.
The gateway — which is approximately 15 feet tall — will be placed at the entrance to the Moments in Time Hike and Bike Trail, north of Granbury City Hall at North Houston Street.
According to Aaron McLain, the city’s internal services director, the Shanley Park Association is proposing a new gateway into the existing trail system that passes through Shanley Park, which will complement the upcoming Shanley Sculpture Garden project.
“The first two sculptures are scheduled to be placed on their newly constructed concrete bases later this month,” McLain explained.
He noted that donations to the Shanley Park Association will be the intended source of funding, so no city funds are being requested for the project.
“We’re also asking that the city manager have the ability to work with the association for the exact placement of this gateway,” McLain said. “We want to be mindful and not block a view of the new sculpture that will be installed.”
City Manager Chris Coffman emphasized the importance of ensuring that the new archway does not detract from any sculptures nearby. He noted that maintaining the visibility of the sculptures was a key part of the agreement with the foundation, and that collaboration will be necessary to determine the archway's placement.
"I just think this is terrific,” Mayor Pro Tem Steven Vale said. “I mean, when I reviewed the agenda item and read exactly what the plan was, what the purpose was, and then looked at some of the renderings, I think this would be an absolutely wonderful addition as you lead people through the park. I think it's a terrific program."
Place 6 Councilman Greg Corrigan made the motion to approve the gateway and to give Coffman the ability to work with the Shanley Park Association on the exact placement. Following a second from Place 4 Councilman Skip Overdier, the motion passed unanimously.
