Southlake considers a sanctuary at Bob Jones Park. Here’s what’s next

Southlake is exploring plans to build a sanctuary that can be used for weddings or for people to have a quiet place to go in Bob Jones Park.

The council discussed the proposal during Tuesday’s work session, but did not make any decisions as more information is needed.

Mayor John Huffman said, “This would be a very meaningful project for the city and potentially impactful.”

The council will hold a workshop in June to talk about cost, creating a task force and possible locations for the sanctuary.

The idea was first discussed in February.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Robert Briggs, operations manager for special projects, said city staff evaluated six sites and narrowed choices to three locations near utilities and the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve.

Several council members served on a committee to look at possibilities for creating the sanctuary.

They talked about how there is a need for a place to hold weddings and other events in the Southlake area.

Mayor pro tem Chad Patton, who served on the committee to study building the sanctuary, said: “Let’s shoot for something meaningful. There is no doubt there is pent up demand for something like this in our area.”

Bob Jones Park is nearly 500 acres including trails, athletic fields, picnic areas and a dog park.