We shared a conversation with Penny Joiner, Director of Parks and Leisure and Kristy Wheeler, Administrative/Recreation Coordinator to learn more about the parks, the processes, and the people who work every day to bring these services to our community.
Huntsville’s Parks and Leisure Department is responsible for the following functions and facilities:
Most local government groups in our area are funding-challenged due to dealing with our unique property taxbase situation (large amount of tax-exempt property due to state lands owned by Sam Houston State University and the Texas Department of Corrections, as well as the Sam Houston National Forest). This results in employees “wearing a lot of different hats” and working to make the most with what they have—all in the name of serving our area residents to the best of their ability.
Says Joiner, “We are here, doing our best for the community with the small crews we have.” The staff is organized and led as follows:
Kristy Wheeler, Administrative/Recreation Coordinator
Joe Shepherd, Parks Manager
Joshua Simpson, Parks Crew Leader
Micaela Moreno, Ballpark Crew Leader
Jerry Hightower, Facilities Crew Leader
Joseph Wiggs, Aquatic Center Manager
Because resources are limited and staff is stretched thin, both Joiner and Wheeler point out the numerous partnerships that have been successful in maximizing what the department has been able to accomplish.
The department has a longstanding interlocal agreement with the Huntsville Independent School District. Under the agreement, HISD can utilize a city baseball field, a softball field, the aquatic center, and Kate Barr Ross Park for cross country track. In return, the city can use designated school facilities when requested. While HISD had gained their own ballfields with completion of the recent bond improvements, the agreement remains in place for the other aspects. As HISD coaches and teams previously handled their own mowing and field preparation before games, those duties have now been transferred over to the city for league use.
Years ago, offender work crews from the Department of Criminal Justice used to be a staple. Today, they continue to be valued, but crews aren’t available consistently. “Offender crews are great when available,” said Joiner, “and
they do a phenomenal job. They are best utilized today on a ‘project’ basis. Getting crews out on the previously designated schedule has been more challenging since covid.”
Volunteers are vital in several ways. Some of the larger special events (like 4th of July, Haunted Trails, and Winter in the Park) require a number of volunteers, as well as “all hands on deck” from Parks staff. Noted Wheeler, “Haunted Trails is so large it requires a lot of volunteers, which are largely comprised of SHSU student groups.” Additionally, some local groups participate in the city’s “Adopt-a-Park” program and perform quarterly cleanup in specific parks.
One particular partnership with lasting impact resulted in the construction of the Aquatic Center. Frank D. “Poncho” Roberts was a beloved member of the community known for his love of people and for his phrase, “Togetherness, one more time.” He and his wife, Helen “Sugar,” led the charge of promoting the construction of the aquatic facility and brought in over two million dollars for the project. In 2013, the City of Huntsville named the aquatic center after him in honor of his dedication to the construction of the project. A Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant also contributed to this project.
A more recent partnership project involved the Junior Service League raising funds for new inclusive playground equipment at Kate Barr Ross Park. This project was completed in 2021.
The City is in the process of updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. A survey is currently underway to gather public input concerning parks and recreational services. At an upcoming Town Hall meeting in February 2025 (please check City website and social media for date and time), results of the survey to date will be shared, as well as the opportunity given for additional input to be voiced.
Joiner shared that there are some limited funds already budgeted in a capital improvement projects line for recommendations that come from the survey; how- ever, big ticket items will require more funding discussions and planning.
The plan helps to shape and bring momentum to future projects. Explained Joiner, “One of my goals in moving into this position in 2019 has been accomplished. That was the renovation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and upgrading of Emancipation Park (re-opened in October 2023), which required obtaining additional property south of the building. That project was one of the priorities that came out of the 2016 Parks Master Plan. That facility is widely used.” The Department also obtained a grant through KaBOOM! to renovate the play modules at Eastham-Thomason Park (2022) and Emancipation Park (2023).
A future goal for Joiner would be to add a recreation facility that includes tennis and pickleball courts, a skate pad, and a gymnasium. “I love the campus-style recreation facilities where you have things in the same block with walkability and a lot of pedestrian traffic. That is my ‘big dream ticket’ right there–something that services everyone, from young people to senior citizens.”
A constant goal for the future remains to provide the best service possible. Joiner stressed that the Parks staff truly enjoy doing this work for the community. Joiner reflected on a recent opportunity for improvement and the department’s response. “There was a lot of negative feedback on the 2023 Haunted Trails event, but it didn’t come to us. I never personally received one phone call or email. But it was all out there on social media. We took that input to heart. A lot of it had to do with line control. So, for 2024, we rented some fencing and ‘snaked it,’ along with hiring security. Security primarily helped in the back, so our staff could focus on helping with line control in the front.” Joiner went on to share that the 2023 situation was unexpected. The number of participants who showed up from the previous year doubled, from approximately 800 to 1500. “Not one of us expected that. We did a serious after-action review with multiple departments and were much more prepared for the 2024 event.”
How can the public get involved? People can participate in the master plan survey, attend the upcoming meeting, volunteer to help with events and programs, participate in adopt-a-park, and call or email when there are concerns or problems. “With limited personnel, we need eyes and ears to help us become aware of things that need to be addressed,” said Joiner. “Help us to help you have the best facilities and services we can possibly provide.”
Postcards Magazine
936-293-1188
PO Box 690
Huntsville, TX 77342
