This page uses WTC MUD #1 agendas, minutes, meeting recordings and district documents. It shows how the Sun Chase Park playscape was removed in 2020. A new playscape was approved in 2022 and installed in 2023. The 2023 playscape failed a safety inspection and was removed in 2023. The district board approved a replacement playscape on January 17, 2024. It opened on June 29, 2024. The page also shows the safety repairs at other district playgrounds, and who moved and voted for each step. A source is shown under each fact.
On this page, "the board" means the WTC MUD #1 board of directors, and "Director" before a name means a member of that board. A dagger (†) after a name marks a district director who also held a role in the Anderson Mill West Neighborhood Association at some time. The table of association officers on the Anderson Mill West page gives the dates.
This table groups statements by topic from three sources: the January and February 2020 board meetings, residents, and the district's 2022 Parks Master Plan. The table sets out statements side by side without comment. The timeline below gives the full record and sources.
| Topic | District board meetings, Jan to Feb 2020 | Residents, 2020 to 2021 | Parks Master Plan, 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use | Jan 15: "The reason I ask is that there often are children on it." Reply: "there's bigger parks down the road." Feb 19, after a speaker asks what to say if someone asks "why did we get rid of it": "We didn't we didn't like it anymore. It didn't serve its purpose." | Hunter's Glenn HOA president, Mar 2020: "Our kids love the playground and it's so close." The 2021 district survey summary: "A number of people mentioned replacement of the playscape at Sun Chase Park." | It "was well-loved by residents." |
| Condition | "very deteriorated and it's just not worth doing the maintenance and the upkeep on it." "we're sort of thinking it's becoming a safety hazard." On inspection: "there was a visual inspection" by the operator. The board donated it to a school "as-is with no warranty." | Neighbors asked "where did it go? What's happened?" | It "had to be removed because it was damaged and became a safety concern." |
| Cost | Jan 15, asked whether it was worth $300 or more: "I think it's going to cost us more than $300 to repair it or remove it." Feb 19: "I think we said that it's not worth fixing it because it would cost too much." The board minutes on file for Jan 2015 to Feb 2020 (Mar 2015 to Dec 2016 missing) record no repair estimate for this playscape. | — | — |
| Replacement | Jan 15 minutes: "Dir. Franke envisions a new design for the space." Jan 15 recording: "We're thinking about doing something completely different" and "We're repurposing the space." Feb 19: "The parks committee has not decided yet." | The Hunter's Glenn HOA president asked the district to "consider putting some sort of playground equipment in there for our children." | "the intent was always to replace the structure." A FY 21/22 "Kickoff" project: a play feature "at the site of the former playscape," $45,000. |
| Notice and comment | Agenda item 30 of 31, a separate item from the parks report (item 12). The minutes record the two votes under item 12 and no action under item 30. | A resident told the board the item "has never been public publicly discussed." A speaker replied: "We've talked about it a few times." (It came up in the Jan 15 2020 manager's report, agenda item 7, not under the parks item.) | The plan was built from a community survey. |
In the board minutes on file for these years, the Sun Chase Park items are lighting, fencing, an arbor, trails, trees and a footbridge. A September 2019 budget list item for removal of the Sun Chase playscape is in the next section.
The district board approves $350,642.45 to Playcraft Systems to replace the playscapes at Anderson Mill West Park and Lakeline Oaks Park. Director Durham moves; Director Rabago seconds. The vote is unanimous. In February 2015 the board discusses researching new vendors for this equipment. The minutes for March 2015 to December 2016 are missing from the district archive. The final vendor, price and install date are therefore not shown.
The engineer's report carries a "Park Play Equipment Contract" item at most 2017 meetings. In 2018 the district orders engineered wood fiber for the park playscapes and sun shades for the play equipment. In 2018 and 2019 it approves playground shades at Anderson Mill West ($35,970) and Lakeline Oaks ($30,130), and a sunshade over the playground at Volente Hills ($59,965). On January 16, 2019, it replaces a slide at Anderson Mill West. On November 20, 2019, staff report that "the entire swing set area was replaced" there.
A footbridge for the Sun Chase trail. In April 2017 the Infrastructure Committee asks the engineer to review a bridge across the drainage channel in Sun Chase Park. On February 20, 2019 the district board approves $45,700 for a steel footbridge, 4-1. Director Zervigon† moves; Director Franke† seconds. Ayes: Franke†, Medrano, Norton Ramirez, Zervigon†. Director Rocco† asks "if there was a less expensive way to install the bridge." The engineer replies that a bridge of this span is hard to place without a pier. A pier is a risk to water flow in the channel. Director Rocco† votes no.
Budget list. The district's parks beautification list for fiscal year 2019-2020 has an item dated September 11, 2019: "Sunchase Playscape Removal (Need Estimate)." The amount set is $0.00. September 11, 2019 was the board's budget meeting. The minutes of that meeting do not mention the playscape.
The operator's report says the district's Parks Committee met on January 8 and "Discussed dismantle of Sun Chase Playscape - we have a potential school that is interested."
Manager's report. The playscape comes up under agenda item 7, the district manager's report. The minutes for item 7 say: "The Sun Chase park playscape will be dismantled and donated to a local school. Dir. Franke† envisions a new design for the space."
On the recording, a speaker asks, "Is is the parks committee thinking about replacing it with something later?" The answer: "Yes, we are." The plan stated is to "remove uh the playscape in Sun and then we are going to come up with a different design for that space." Then: "The reason I ask is that there often are children on it." The replies include "But there's bigger parks down the road" and "We're thinking about doing something completely different, but we have to We're doing some research right now." Asked "You going to repurpose it?", a speaker answers: "Yes. We're repurposing the space." On its condition, one speaker says "It's usable." Asked whether it was worth $300 or more, another says, "I think it's going to cost us more than $300 to repair it or remove it." The item is put on the next agenda. No vote is taken.
Agenda. The agenda has 31 items. Item 12 is the "Report from the Parks Subcommittee." The playscape is item 30: "Declaring Sunchase playscape equipment as surplus property; authorization to sell Sunchase playscape equipment." (Surplus property is property the district no longer needs.)
Public comment. A resident tells the board that item 30 "has never been public publicly discussed" and that "Nobody in our neighborhood knows why this is happening." A speaker replies: "We've talked about it a few times. Yeah. Last couple of meetings." A question follows about which meeting discussed why it was being removed. The reply does not name a meeting.
Footbridge payment. The board authorizes payment of $48,700 to Westar Construction for "footbridge installation, side-channel grading, and silt removal" at Sun Chase Park, 5-0 (Zervigon† moves; Medrano seconds). It also allocates $250 for a Sun Chase bridge grand opening on March 7, 2020, 5-0 (Franke† moves; Norton Ramirez seconds). During the engineer's report, speakers discuss soil left from the bridge work. One says the contractor "accumulated a lot of soil from digging that that slope." Speakers suggest using it for a mound "by the picnic bench" at the back of the park, "like we did in the front of the park." Then: "Or we can have another mound when the playscape goes away. If it goes away."
Discussion and vote. During the parks report, staff say the playscape will be donated to an elementary school and picked up that Saturday. On the recording a speaker then says, "We'll just jump to 30." The minutes record the two votes under item 12 and no action under item 30. The recording of this part runs about ten minutes. Points from the recording:
Two motions pass 5-0, both moved by Director Franke† and seconded by Director Norton Ramirez: one declares the playscape surplus, and one donates it "as-is with no warranty" to Buck Holtz Elementary School. Ayes: Franke†, Medrano, Norton Ramirez, Rocco†, Zervigon†. The minutes also record: "Dir. Franke† noted that the playscape is damaged and it would be costly and difficult to repair."
Scheduled pickup. The February 19 minutes say: "Ms. Hester said that the Sun Chase playscape will be donated to a nearby elementary school and is set to be taken away on Saturday." That Saturday was February 22. No record confirms the pickup date. On March 25 a resident refers to "the playground equipment that was removed."
Bridge grand opening. The board funded a $250 grand opening for the new Sun Chase footbridge on this date. Later meetings refer to the "bridge opening" and the "grand opening celebration."
COVID-19: parks closed. At a special meeting the operator explains that areas "where people tend to congregate (parks, basketball courts, tennis courts, etc.) are closed." On the recording: "our parks are closed. The equipment is closed."
HOA comment. The president of the Hunter's Glenn HOA tells the board that neighbors asked about "the playground equipment that was removed": "where did it go? What's happened?" She asks the district to "consider putting some sort of playground equipment in there for our children."
The operator reports caution tape "on all playscapes in accordance with the closing of the parks and libraries."
Bridge handrails. The board approves $8,200 to Westar Construction for entry handrails and concrete footers at the Sun Chase bridge. Director Medrano moves; Director Zervigon† seconds. On August 19, 2020 the engineer reports the handrails installed, and the board approves the $8,200 payment.
First reopening. The operator reports that the tennis courts "have been reopened" with limits on players. Playgrounds are not part of this reopening.
Removal reported complete. During the accountant's report, a speaker tells the accountant that "the Sun [Chase] Playscape removal was completed and it didn't cost us anything." A speaker then adds, "We had a school come in and take it." The operator's monthly reports for March to July 2020 do not report the removal as done. The remark does not give the removal date.
Vote to reopen playgrounds. The board votes to open district parks in "Phase II," including "playgrounds sanitized prior to opening." Director Norton Ramirez moves; Director Franke† seconds. Ayes: Franke†, Medrano, Norton Ramirez, Rocco†, Zervigon†. In October staff report that the playscapes at district parks were sanitized on September 25. A district news post dated September 24, 2020 says playgrounds would open on Saturday, September 26. Sun Chase has no play equipment at this time.
Girl Scout Troop 614 asks to build a "natural playscape" at Sun Chase Park with its own funds. The district board authorizes its Parks Committee to work with the engineer and the troop to see if the plan is feasible. The minutes from 2021 and 2022 do not show it built.
The special meeting minutes summarize the district's parks survey. They say: "A number of people mentioned replacement of the playscape at Sun Chase Park."
The district board adopts the 2022 Parks Master Plan. Director Dudo† moves; Director Jones† seconds. The vote is unanimous. Carol Norrell of the Park Planning Advisory Committee reports that preparation of the plan "took 18 months." On Sun Chase the plan says the old playscape "had to be removed because it was damaged and became a safety concern. However, the intent was always to replace the structure with something appropriate for this space." The plan also says the playscape "was well-loved by residents." Its FY 21/22 "Kickoff Projects" include "Install play feature in front of Sun Chase Park at the site of the former playscape," estimated at $45,000.
The district board approves $13,700 to resurface the playscape area in Sun Chase Park (Fun Abounds, Inc.). Director Dudo† moves; Director Jones† seconds. The vote is unanimous.
Director Dudo† describes plans for a new playscape. The minutes say that "after research, the Parks Committee found a vendor, Tiny Town Studios, to construct and install the playscape." The minutes say the Parks Committee "reviewed the possible options" and recommended Tiny Town Studios. The board approves up to $50,000. Director Dudo† moves; Director Jones† seconds. The vote is unanimous.
The district pays Tiny Town Studios $50,000 by check no. 5728 for the "SUNCHASE-PLAYGROUND PROJECT." The Tiny Town invoice has the same date. It describes the concept and says "Design sketch previously sent for idea approval." It also says: "All permits, engineering, and architectural drawings, if applicable, are the responsibility of the property owner."
A district news post says the board "approved plans to install a new playscape in Sun Chase Park on the site of the former playscape that was removed several years ago due to disrepair." It says the playscape "is being custom built to blend with the natural elements of the park and will feature a central treehouse."
The district board appoints Kelley Masters to a vacant seat on the board. Under Water Code 49.105(a), the board fills a vacancy by appointment. Director Flores moves; Director Fabre seconds.
The Tiny Town playscape is installed. On May 17 the operator reports that Tiny Town, the installer, "experienced unforeseen delays" and expects to start work again on May 22, 2023. A September 2023 statement to residents says the structure was "installed in Sun Chase Park in June." Director Kelley Masters read this statement at the September 13, 2023 board meeting. The board then voted 4-0 to have its lawyer finalize it and send it to residents (see Sep 13, 2023).
Director Masters raises concerns about the playscape. The board approves a certified safety inspection, up to $600. Director Masters moves; Director Flores seconds. Ayes: Masters, Flores, Fabre. Directors Jones† and Avila are absent. The minutes record no vote to close the playground. On the recording, speakers agree to put up orange fencing and "a closed sign or two." A district news post dated July 4, 2023 says the board "voted to temporarily close the playscape at Sun Chase Park pending an inspection and a report by a certified playground safety inspector." The September 2023 statement to residents says the board closed the playground at the end of June.
The certified inspector's report, dated July 5, 2023, rates the playscape "FAIL" and says "CLOSE PLAYGROUND." It says "The equipment installed in the park is for residential or private use only." It lists head entrapment hazards and a 13-foot fall height.
All five directors are present. Director Masters reviews the inspection report. The board authorizes Inframark to seek proposals for a second certified inspection, up to $600, 4-1 (Masters moves; Flores seconds; Fabre no). It directs its lawyer to tell Tiny Town Studios that the playscape "does not adhere to public safety standards," to ask about IPEMA certification, and to discuss "remedies, removal, and reimbursement," 4-1 (Masters moves; Fabre seconds; Jones† no). It authorizes Inframark to seek removal proposals "in the event that Tiny Towns cannot remedy the safety issues," 4-1 (Masters moves; Fabre seconds; Jones† no). It also authorizes proposals from certified inspectors to inspect all district parks, up to $5,000, 4-1 (Masters moves; Fabre seconds; Jones† no).
A district news post says the district "has closed the Sun Chase playscape due to the safety inspection results."
Playground policy. The board adopts Playground Policy Guidelines, 4-1 (Masters moves; Avila seconds; Jones† no). The policy requires every district playground to meet Texas Health and Safety Code 756.061. It also requires equipment from IPEMA-certified vendors, and a certified playground safety inspection before any district playground opens to the public. (IPEMA, the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association, certifies public playground equipment.)
Removal vote. Later in the meeting, the district's lawyer reports that a Tiny Town Studios representative "was unwilling to become IPEMA certified but was willing to inspect the Sun Chase Park playscape for any possible remedies under a new agreement with the District." A second inspector, ParkPro Tek, finds that "the entire playground goes against the current ASTM and CPSC standards." (CPSC is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.) It says fixing it would cost more than removal and replacement. The board accepts ParkPro Tek's $6,500 bid to remove the playscape, 4-1 (Masters moves; Flores seconds; Jones† no).
Other district playgrounds. On August 22 ParkPro Tek reviews the condition of the other district playscapes with the board and recommends routine maintenance. Staff report that ParkPro Tek found "the majority of the District's swing sets are out of compliance." The board approves ParkPro Tek's $4,135 proposal to replace all of the swings (Masters moves; Flores seconds; the minutes list Masters, Flores, Avila and Fabre as ayes and no noes). On September 13 the board approves a quarterly maintenance agreement with ParkPro Tek for all district parks except Sun Chase, at $1,515 per visit, 4-0 (Masters moves; Flores seconds; Jones† absent).
The playscape is removed. The September 13 minutes say ParkPro Tek removed it "per the Board's request." The September 2023 statement to residents says the manufacturer removed it "at no cost to the District." On August 22 the board had accepted ParkPro Tek's $6,500 bid to remove it.
Statement to residents. The minutes say Director Masters "read a personal statement regarding removal of the Sun Chase Park playscape." The board votes 4-0 to have its lawyer "review and finalize Director Masters' Statement" and to have Inframark email it to residents and post it on the district website. Director Masters moves; Director Fabre seconds; Director Jones† is absent. Staff also update the board on the request for proposals for the "rebuilding of the Sun Chase Park playscape."
The engineer reports three bids for a new playscape, from Cunningham Recreation, The PlayWell Group and Lea Park & Play. Director Fabre reports that the Parks Committee recommends the Cunningham Recreation bid. The board accepts Cunningham Recreation's bid of $96,110.06, 4-1. Director Masters moves; Director Flores seconds; Director Jones† votes no. At the same meeting Director Masters reports that "all of the District's playgrounds were inspected" and asks for bids on the Priority 1 and 2 items.
The engineer presents an updated proposal from Cunningham Recreation. It changes some of the layout and components, including a split rail fence. The board approves the updated proposal for $94,988.77, 4-1. Director Masters moves; Director Flores seconds; Director Jones† votes no.
New playscape installed and opened. On May 15 the engineer reports that Cunningham Recreation scheduled the installation for May 20 to May 31, 2024. The board approves $2,500 for a grand opening party, 5-0 (Masters moves; Flores seconds). On June 19 the engineer reports that ParkPro Tek inspected the new playscape on June 7, 2024. The engineer says the items ParkPro Tek found, and re-inspections, should be complete before the grand opening. On July 17 Director Masters reports that the grand opening was held on June 29, 2024.
The engineer reports that the Texas Accessibility Standards inspection report for the Sun Chase Park playscape "showed no violations."
Director Masters is not listed on the Nov 20, 2024 board roster.
The engineer reports that a May 10, 2024 invoice for the Sun Chase Park playscape "had not been paid." The board authorizes payment of GameTime Invoice No. PJI-0236689 for $94,988.77, and to "further investigate the outstanding invoice," 5-0. Director Rocco† moves; Director Norrell seconds. The January 2024 bid in the engineer's report is headed "GameTime c/o Cunningham Recreation."
The board approves $113,937.41 for Priority 1 safety repairs at Anderson Mill West Park. Director Avila moves; Director Norrell seconds. Ayes: Avila, Rocco†, Norrell. Directors Jones† and Flores are absent.
The operator reports that Playgrounds Etc. and ParkPro Tek "have completed repairs at Anderson Mill West Park."
| Vote | Moved / seconded | For | Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Declare old playscape surplus; donate it, Feb 19 2020 | Franke† / Norton Ramirez | Franke, Medrano, Norton Ramirez, Rocco†, Zervigon† | None |
| Adopt Parks Master Plan, Aug 17 2022 | Dudo† / Jones† | Unanimous (minutes give no names) | None |
| Resurface playscape area, Aug 17 2022 | Dudo† / Jones† | Unanimous (minutes give no names) | None |
| Tiny Town playscape, Oct 19 2022 | Dudo† / Jones† | Unanimous; all present: Franke†, Medrano, Jones†, Dudo†, Fabre | None |
| Safety inspection, Jun 27 2023 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Fabre | None (Jones†, Avila absent) |
| Second inspection proposals, Jul 19 2023 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Avila, Jones† | Fabre |
| Lawyer to contact Tiny Town Studios, Jul 19 2023 | Masters / Fabre | Masters, Fabre, Avila, Flores | Jones† |
| Removal proposals, Jul 19 2023 | Masters / Fabre | Masters, Fabre, Avila, Flores | Jones† |
| Inspect all district parks, Jul 19 2023 | Masters / Fabre | Masters, Fabre, Avila, Flores | Jones† |
| Playground policy, Aug 22 2023 | Masters / Avila | Masters, Avila, Flores, Fabre | Jones† |
| Remove playscape, Aug 22 2023 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Avila, Fabre | Jones† |
| Park maintenance agreement, Sep 13 2023 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Avila, Fabre | None (Jones† absent) |
| Finalize and send statement to residents, Sep 13 2023 | Masters / Fabre | Flores, Fabre, Avila, Masters | None (Jones† absent) |
| Accept replacement bid, Jan 17 2024 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Fabre, Avila | Jones† |
| Updated replacement proposal, Feb 21 2024 | Masters / Flores | Masters, Flores, Fabre, Avila | Jones† |
| Grand opening party, May 15 2024 | Masters / Flores | Flores, Masters, Fabre, Avila, Jones† | None |
| Pay replacement invoice, Apr 16 2025 | Rocco† / Norrell | Rocco†, Norrell, Flores, Jones†, Avila | None |
| AMW Park repairs, Oct 15 2025 | Avila / Norrell | Avila, Rocco†, Norrell | None (Jones†, Flores absent) |
Texas Health and Safety Code 756.061(a), in force since September 1, 2009, says that "public funds may not be used" to buy playground equipment that "does not comply with each applicable provision of ASTM Standard F1487-07ae1, 'Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use'," or to pay for an installation that will not comply. The September 2023 statement to residents, read by Director Masters and sent to residents by board vote, quotes this section. It says the board closed the playground for "lacking documentation that the playground complied" with it.
All agendas, minutes and reports linked here are on the district website, wtcmud1.org. Quotes from meeting recordings come from unofficial auto-generated transcripts. Check the timestamp in the video before you quote them elsewhere. If a fact here is wrong, use the form below and name the record that shows it. It will be fixed with the date of the change.