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City · Parker County
Willow Park
Population ~5,874 · Aledo ISD
I-20 commuter community
Bearcats
8,127
Students
A
TEA rating
98.1%
Grad rate
☕ Willow Park brief Thu, Jul 16
City council mtg Mon 6pm
Comp plan adoption vote · public comment open
Local News
Willow Park Headlines
Sourced from Aledo ISD, the Community News, Star-Telegram & local outlets · Updated throughout the week
Growth
I-20 corridor retail keeps filling in
New restaurants, services, and rooftops continue along Willow Park's stretch of I-20 — the city's commercial spine.
Updated · Source: Parker County Desk
Schools
Aledo ISD bond: where the $250M is going
Willow Park families are in Aledo ISD — bond covers a new north-Aledo middle school ($40M), stadium expansion ($18M), HVAC ($32M).
This week · Source: Aledo ISD
Sports
Bearcats open as district favorites
Willow Park feeds Aledo High — the Bearcats are 8-1, ranked #1, chasing state title No. 13.
This week · Source: MaxPreps, UIL
💼 Business · Willow Park
Willow Park designated a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community
Willow Park has been designated a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Film Commission, part of the Office of the Governor's Economic Development & Tourism division, after completing the program's multi-step training and certification process, according to the Governor's Office and the Weatherford Democrat. The designation adds Willow Park to a statewide network of more than 200 certified communities that receive ongoing training on media-industry standards and best practices for accommodating on-location filming. City Manager Toni Fisher said the recognition affirms Willow Park is “full of opportunity for our residents and businesses, and now, filmmakers,” while State Sen. Phil King said the city is “ready to welcome new opportunities in media production and investment.”
🏛️ Civic · Willow Park
Willow Park weighs $6 million tax note to fix Squaw Creek Road and other streets
The Willow Park City Council on Tuesday discussed financing street repairs through a tax note — a short-term loan — that Councilman Eric Contreras said could reach up to $6 million on a seven-year repayment plan at about $1.06 million a year, with a 4.65% interest rate quoted that night (higher than it would have been in February). Contreras said the money could focus first on Squaw Creek Road, which needs surface repair and has an ongoing water leak from a 40-foot pipeline break — the third recent disruption below the north-south artery between neighborhoods and Squaw Creek Golf Course. Public Works Director Chase McBride said the funds could go only to existing roads, not new development, and that engineering for Squaw Creek Road was already complete, making it shovel-ready. A Hilltop Securities consultant said the city's existing debt payments decline from $2.1 million this year to $1.6 million in the fiscal year beginning in October. The council also discussed rising legal costs from an annexation lawsuit brought by neighboring Aledo and Fort Worth; Mayor Teresa Palmer said the June legal-fees payment was $49,878, with $322,000 total against a $100,000 annual budget line item.
🏛️ Civic · Willow Park
Willow Park names Toni Fisher city manager, moves to keep out data centers, weighs countywide water agency
The Willow Park City Council named Interim City Manager Toni Fisher as the city's permanent city manager at its Tuesday, June 9 meeting, and directed staff toward a data-center zoning ordinance. 'Willow Park is not a place for data centers — never have, never will,' Councilman Scott Smith said, referencing a complex proposed off Farm-to-Market 1187 at the city's edge. The city currently does not address data centers in its zoning rules; Councilman Eric Contreras' motion asked staff to write an ordinance broadly covering large water users and to work with developer Robert Beall — who plans to develop 318 acres he wants annexed into the city — to drop 'data centers' from his plan. The council also heard a county-led pitch for 13 cities and water suppliers to form a Public Utility Agency, essentially a countywide water department; Freese & Nichols engineer Andrew Franko said the agency would not be a taxing entity but would be funded by members based on population, with mid-size cities like Willow Park asked to contribute about $20,000 toward an anticipated $350,000 annual budget (the county would put in $100,000 and Weatherford $50,000), and water delivery estimated five to six years out. Separately, the council directed Fisher to negotiate a renewal of the city's interlocal road-work agreement with Parker County, which expired in April; Public Works Director Chase McBride cautioned the county's help will be more limited next year. Fisher reported the city holds about $3.9 million in reserves. Source: Weatherford Democrat (Sally Sexton) · Published 2026-06-11
🏛️ Civic
Willow Park council enters contract negotiations with Toni Fisher as full-time city manager
The Willow Park City Council voted unanimously following closed session to enter contract negotiations with Toni Fisher to remove the 'interim' label and make her the city's full-time city manager. Fisher has held the role on an interim basis since October. She succeeds Bryan Grimes, who resigned following months of public disagreement with Mayor Teresa Palmer. Source: The Community News.
From across Parker County
🐴 Animal Health · Parker County
State officials confirm equine herpes (EHM) case in a Parker County donkey
The Texas Animal Health Commission has confirmed a case of equine herpes myeloencephalopathy — the neurologic disease linked to equine herpesvirus — in a weanling donkey at a Parker County horse rescue on June 24, according to an Equine Disease Communication Center report. Clinical signs began June 17 with extreme lethargy and labored breathing, followed by fever, an elevated heart rate, diarrhea and discolored areas of the mouth; the donkey was eventually euthanized. TAHC said epidemiological investigations indicate the exposure does not involve large equine events such as rodeos, and that staff are working with the owner and veterinarians; exposed animal owners have been notified and placed under a hold order until further assessment. The agency noted EHM, a potentially fatal disease, saw an outbreak in November after it was found in a Texas quarter horse that had competed at a rodeo in Waco. Thirty EHM cases with neurological signs have been recorded in Texas, with twelve confirmed in Oklahoma and additional cases reported in Louisiana, South Dakota, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Washington. Officials urged equine owners to practice strong biosecurity, monitor their animals closely and consult a veterinarian immediately if signs appear.
🏆 Sports · State Championship
Robinson defeats Brock 3–1 to win first state baseball title in program history
Robinson defeated Brock 3–1 Friday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock to claim the Rockets' first-ever state baseball championship in the Class 4A Division II final. Brock strung together 10 hits but stranded 10 base runners. Robinson's Caden Coe was named game MVP after a two-RBI single in the fifth inning provided the decisive margin. Brock pitcher Weston Pickard had a no-hitter through four innings before Brock took a 1-1 tie in the fourth on an RBI double. Source: Sports Illustrated High School · kcentv.com · Published 2026-06-05
🪦 History · Parker County
Texas Historical Commission marker unveiled at Parker County's 1869 Dicey Cemetery
A Texas Historical Commission marker was unveiled at Dicey Cemetery, a Parker County pioneer burial ground established in 1869. Nearly 100 supporters attended the dedication ceremony. Parker County Historical Commission President Teri Hubbard unveiled the marker; Dicey Cemetery Association President Mark Woolsey also spoke. The marker was provided through the THC's Undertold Stories Program, which funds applications documenting significant local stories from across Texas. The cemetery application was submitted in 2023 and selected for the program that year. Sources: Weatherford Democrat · Springtown Epigraph · Azle News.
All Willow Park + Parker County stories → Around Town
Notices, Events & What's Open
City notices, things to do, and new businesses around Willow Park · Curated & confirmed weekly
Growth
I-20 Commercial Corridor
Willow Park's retail and dining cluster along I-20 keeps expanding — the city's economic engine.
Ongoing
Schools
Aledo ISD Campuses
Willow Park students attend Aledo ISD. See the Aledo page for Bearcat athletics and the bond build-out.
In session
Recreation
Willow Park City Parks
City parks and trails serve Willow Park families. Hours and amenities on the city site.
Year-round
Nearby
Downtown Weatherford — minutes west
The county seat's courthouse square and festivals are a short I-20 drive. Full listings on the Weatherford page.
Ongoing
Nearby
Aledo & Hudson Oaks
Neighboring Aledo ISD communities with their own retail and Bearcat ties — see their city pages.
Ongoing
Known for
- I-20 commuter suburb east of Weatherford
- Trinity Christian Academy (founded 1993)
- Rapid residential growth
- Aledo ISD
The Story of Willow Park
Willow Park traces its roots to the 1850s, when farmers first settled the fertile land in eastern Parker County and a small rural community called Willow Springs grew up around a church, a school and a cemetery.
The town's name came from a roadside attraction. Around 1940, when U.S. Highway 80 was completed, work crews built a scenic roadside park planted with willow trees and centered on a pond — a beloved local landmark that gave the future city its identity.
After Lake Weatherford was finished in 1957, new subdivisions like El Chico Ranch Estates drew residents east, and in 1963 the community voted to incorporate as Willow Park. Just five years later, in 1968, Interstate 20 blasted straight through town — and erased the very willow-tree park the city was named for.
That same interstate made Willow Park what it is today: a fast-growing commuter suburb halfway between Fort Worth and Weatherford, served by A-rated Aledo ISD.
Sources: Texas State Historical Association, Handbook of Texas; City of Willow Park.
🗓️ Coming this week Full calendar →
THU
9
Springtown City Council
7pm · agenda online
MON
13
Willow Park City Council
6pm · agenda online
TUE
14
Aledo City Council
7pm · agenda online
TUE
14
Hudson Oaks City Council
6:30pm · agenda online
TUE
14
Reno City Council
7pm · agenda online
WED
15
Azle ISD Board of Trustees
7pm · agenda online
MON
20
Parker County Commissioners Court
10am · agenda online
MON
20
Aledo ISD Board of Trustees
6pm · agenda online
MON
20
Weatherford ISD Board of Trustees
6pm · agenda online
MON
20
Springtown ISD Board of Trustees
6:30pm · agenda online
MON
20
Mineral Wells ISD Board of Trustees
6pm · agenda online
MON
20
Brock ISD Board of Trustees
7pm · agenda online
MON
20
Peaster ISD Board of Trustees
7pm · agenda online
MON
20
Poolville ISD Board of Trustees
7pm · agenda online
TUE
21
Mineral Wells City Council
6:30pm · agenda online
🎈 Kids Trading Post · Willow Park 2 activities →
Storytime, classes, camps, leagues, and open-play in Willow Park, sourced from libraries and partner orgs. Updated nightly · no manual data entry.
See all 2 kid activities →
Sports
Aledo Bearcats
Willow Park is served by Aledo ISD · 11 state titles · Black & Gold · Source: UIL Texas, MaxPreps, Aledo ISD Athletics
Fri · 7:00 PM · Pirate Stadium. Winner takes the district title.
Ranked #1, riding a 4-game win streak into the playoffs.
11 championships and counting — including a 16-0 season in 2018.
*Aledo moves to 6A with the 2026-2028 realignment. Full county sports hub → parkercountydesk.com/sports · Coaches: submit a score to tips@parkercountydesk.com
⭐ Game of the week
Aledo Bearcats — district football
🏈 District football · See schedule
Aledo brings the most successful Texas HS football program (12 state titles, most in state history) into every district matchup. See the live schedule + ticket info on the official Aledo Athletics site.
📜 On this day in Parker County sports
1998
🏈 Aledo Bearcats win their first UIL state football championship (Class 3A) — the start of a dynasty that would grow to a Texas-record 12 state titles.
2009
🏈 Aledo opens a run of three straight 4A Division II state titles (2009–2011) — the program's first three-peat under the Bearcat dynasty.
2018
🏈 Aledo Bearcats finished the season 16-0, claiming their 9th state football title (now 12 total — most in Texas high-school history).
2020
🏈 Aledo completes a second three-peat (2018–2020) with another 5A Division II state football championship.
2023
🏈 Aledo claims its 12th state football championship (51-8 over College Station) — extending the Texas record for most state titles by any program.
📻 Radio guide
Aledo Bearcats football
92.1 Hank FM (KTFW-FM, Glen Rose) — flagship radio home for Aledo football
Kevin Lonnquist (play-by-play, 20+ yrs), with Kyle Hix and Mercedes Myer
Aledo Bearcats football (video stream)
Aledo Sports Network / aledoisdathletics.com/broadcasts (official ISD stream)
Aledo ISD Athletics broadcast
Weatherford Kangaroos football
Hudl Fan + NFHS Network (weatherfordisdkangaroos.com/broadcasts)
Weatherford ISD Athletics broadcast
Springtown Porcupines football
NFHS Network (nfhsnetwork.com — Springtown HS)
NFHS Network stream
🏆 UIL playoff bracket
No active Parker County UIL playoff bracket on the desk. Populates when a Parker County team is in a UIL playoff round (football, basketball, baseball/softball, volleyball). Source: UIL playoff records.
Activities
Things to do in Willow Park
Kids, library, sports, fitness, classes, camps, open play — sourced from libraries, parks, and partner orgs across Willow Park.
event
Concert Series at The District
Outdoor concerts, tribute bands, Texas country artists, and family events April–November at the Lucchese Stage amphitheater
The District at Willow Park · The District at Willow Park
event
Willow Park Parks & Recreation Programs
City parks and recreation activities and community events; see Parks & Rec for current programming
City of Willow Park · Willow Park, TX
Civic & Government
Willow Park civic life
Reach the right desk
By the Numbers
Willow Park at a Glance
Town statistics — sourced & reconciled to the Parker County Desk data file (updated 2026-05-18)
⚠ Thin-market month — this median reflects just 5 sales (Mar 2026); price/sq ft ($189, -6.9% YoY) is the steadier read. Source: Redfin.
Sources: U.S. Census estimates, Aledo ISD, Texas Education Agency, Parker County Desk housing data (Apr 2026 MLS). Market figures approximate, updated quarterly. Full housing coverage → Parker County Desk Housing
Population
5,874
Source: U.S. Census ACS 2024 5-yr est (via Census Reporter); 2020 census 4,983
Type
city
School District
Aledo ISD
ISD Enrollment
8,127
As of 2026-05-22
Grad rate
98.1%
Per-pupil spend
$10,512
School ISD comparison
All all 9 Parker County ISDs side-by-side: enrollment, accountability rating, graduation rate, per-pupil spending, AP offerings. Updated when TEA accountability publishes.
| ISD | Students | Rating | Grad rate | Per-pupil | AP courses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weatherford | 8203 | C | 94.6% | $11,874 | 22 |
| Aledo | 8127 | A | 98.1% | $10,512 | 28 |
| Azle | 7218 | C | 97.7% | $10,395 | 18 |
| Springtown | 4166 | C | 92.1% | $10,928 | 12 |
| Mineral Wells | 3300 | C | 88.7% | $9,840 | 9 |
| Brock | 2190 | A | 95.0% | $10,800 | 11 |
| Millsap | 1100 | B | 100.0% | $14,256 | |
| Peaster | 720 | B | 95.3% | $11,200 | 6 |
| Poolville | 610 | B | 94.1% | $11,400 | 5 |
Updated 2026-05-18
Property tax comparison (2026)
Combined tax rate per $100 of assessed value — county + city + ISD + special districts. Lower is better. Updated when 2027 rates publish in October.
| City | County | City rate | ISD | Total / $100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aledo | 0.36 | 0.42 | 1.18 | $1.96 |
| Weatherford | 0.36 | 0.46 | 1.16 | $1.98 |
| Hudson Oaks | 0.36 | 0.41 | 1.18 | $1.95 |
| Willow Park | 0.36 | 0.45 | 1.18 | $1.99 |
| Azle | 0.36 | 0.51 | 1.21 | $2.08 |
| Springtown | 0.36 | 0.48 | 1.19 | $2.03 |
Updated 2026-05-18
About Aledo ISD
Texas football dynasty — 12 state titles (most in Texas: 1998, 2009-11, 2013-14, 2016, 2018-20, 2022-23). $250M+ bond / athletics growth.
Source: TEA via Texas Tribune Schools Explorer (enrollment 2023-24, A-F 2024-25)
Ask the Desk
Questions about Willow Park
What's the Willow Park City Council voting on Monday (comp-plan adoption)?
Updated Comprehensive Plan adoption vote — public comment open. Council is scheduled to vote on adoption of the city's updated Comprehensive Plan, with public comment open. Comp plans set the long-cycle framework for zoning…
Is the Willow Park Library a polling place for the May 30 election?
Yes — one of three Parker County polling locations. The Willow Park Library is one of three Parker County polling locations (with Aledo Community Center and Hudson Oaks City Hall). Any Parker County registered voter can use…
How does the Bankhead Hwy widening Phase 2 affect Willow Park commutes?
Phase 2 detours expected to push traffic through Willow Park for an ~8-week window. Phase 2 of the Bankhead Hwy widening starts in Hudson Oaks on an 8-week window and is expected to push detour traffic through Willow Park. …
Is there a burn ban right now?
Yes — county-wide as of May 12. Commissioners imposed the ban after the dry stretch in April. Lifted only after measurable rain and the fire marshal's sign-off. Current status always at parkercountytx.gov/firemarshal.
When and where does Willow Park City Council meet?
The next regular meeting is Monday, June 8 at 6 p.m., and public comment is typically open. Willow Park City Council meets at City Hall; agenda packets post ahead of each meeting. Confirm the date, time, and agenda with the…
All Willow Park Q&As → Community Voice
What Willow Park Means to Them
Submit your own — moderated, sourced + curated (per Runbook: no public-posting widgets).
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