I’m a local through and through. For as long as I’ve been alive, our parks haven’t changed. Burnet has changed. It has drastically grown and will continue to grow with more subdivisions being built. I don’t know the exact number of parents with children under the age of 10, but I’m willing to bet it’s larger than you’d think with a constant flow of expecting parents. The Riverwalk Park has not been addressed since the flood of 2025. Prior to that, there was no upkeep anyways. The playground by the skatepark is right off the highway, zero shade for the playground and being next to the skatepark you have to hope there isn’t a group of teenagers smoking and blaring inappropriate music. I don’t blame the skatepark groups- I get it. However, I don’t particularly want my 4 and 5 year olds around it if I can help it. For the past few years, I’ve drove to Johnson Park whenever we decide to play- playgrounds have shade, it’s clean and safe. Not to mention the trails by the lake. As a burnet resident, the trip to marble falls a few times a week can get old. Especially with the traffic. I’m not asking for anything over the top. Burnet is marketed as a family friendly community. Let’s do more to provide a place for these kids to play. With Haley Nelson’s trail being paved I think it would make sense to build a new shaded park there. Win for parents at concerts, when there is soccer games and or practice and it’s off the main highway. And there is already bathrooms there. If that’s not possible, not the end of the world. Let’s at least have our current parks upgraded with shade and kept clean. 
Petition Summary & Objective:

We, the undersigned residents and community members of Burnet, Texas (ZIP code 78611) and Burnet County respectfully petition the Burnet City Council to prioritize heat mitigation and outdoor play infrastructure in our municipal park system. Specifically, we request that the City allocate resources to:

1. Install Heavy-Duty Shade Sails/Structures: Add protective shade over playground equipment across existing city parks to protect children from extreme summer surface heat and sun exposure.

2. Develop New Park / Playground Features at Haley Nelson Park: Expand recreational play amenities at Haley Nelson Park to support growing local families and provide accessible, shaded outdoor space.