Official Ribbon Cutting by Mr. I.M. Kimzey

Richard Hendler, Parks Board Chairman has  chaired the development of Colleyville Major Parks

After a decade of planning, a perfect example of citizen involvement in the community came to fruition Saturday morning.  City officials and residents gathered at Kimzey Park at 9:00 a.m. to cut the ribbon for the city’s newest neighborhood park.  Land for the park was acquired during the development of Ross Downs.  Ross Owens, developer of Ross Downs, suggested at that time that the park be named in honor of I.M. Kimzey and his family, residents of the community for many decades.  Mr. Kimzey’s father purchased the first piece of what eventually became a 116-acre farm on Pool Road in 1914.  I.M. and Beulah Kimzey, their children Alan and Joan and their families, lived on the property until just a few years ago.  All but Beulah Kimzey were present at the ceremony along with their children and grandchildren.  Mrs. Kimzey followed the progress of the park with great pride until her recent death in December 2000.  Glen Hope Elementary School is located on the Kimzey’s former property.

Mayor Donna Arp opened the event and introduced the past and present public officials there, along with the park board and members of the Kimzey family.  Rich Hendler, chairman of the Colleyville Park Board, gave an invocation.  Arp introduced the individual behind the drive to develop the park, Dave Dudziak, who acknowledged the others involved in the process.  This  included the Master Plan Committee, city staff members, and three administrations of public officials going back to former Mayor Ed Baker when the initial funding for the improvements began.  He noted that Baker’s administration was responsible for approving funding for the park study, Richard Newton’s for the CEDC funding and Donna Arp’s for the final funding.  Rich Hendler presented a plaque, which he noted was privately donated, to the four individuals most responsible for the renovations – Dave Dudziak, Victoria Heminger, Chris Marsh, and Peter Riis. 

Chris Kimzey, grandson of I.M. and Beulah Kimzey and son of Mary Sue and Alan Kimzey, was introduced and spoke on behalf of the family.  Chris spoke to the parents in the audience and encouraged them to teach their children, who would play in the park, the values he was taught as a child.  “Love of God, love of country, honesty, and integrity – that’s all I can say” as he was overcome by emotion.  The Kimzey family history is recorded in Colleyville, 1855 – 1956, the community’s history book.

Kimzey Family 

Chris Kimzey 
Chris Kimzey talks to LNO about park named after his family 

(l to r) Chris Marsh, David Duziak, Peter Riis and Vicki Heminger were honored with a plaque for their citizen's efforts 

Kimzey Park is the result of six years of effort by neighbors, city officials and staff members.  It now boasts $750,000 worth of improvements, including a playing field, improved playground equipment, and a fishing pier on a two-acre pond.  Other amenities include a picnic pavilion, sand volleyball court, half-court basketball court and a hiking trail.

 Following the official ceremony neighbors visited with city officials and members of the Kimzey family.  Mary Sue Kimzey mentioned that she was planning to complete a quilt begun by her mother-in-law, Beulah Kimzey, but needed help with the embroidery.   During the conversation Victoria Heminger mentioned that she knew how to embroider and would love to help her finish.  They exchanged phone numbers and plan to pursue the completion of the project together, a perfect blending of the past, present and future of Colleyville.  

Jacquelyn Helm plans to enjoy the new park in the near future

Early participants in the park activities

Holly (4 years old) enjoys one of the new park benches

Colleyville City Manager Bill Lindley, former Council Member Linda Newton, Former Mayor Richard Newton and David Dudziak