Lake Wichita Revitalization Committee Minutes - 04/14/2026 MINUTES
LAKE WICHITA REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE
April 14, 2026
PRESENT:
Josh Whittiker, Chair •Members
David Coleman, Secretary
Matt Marrs
Jack Roe
John Pezzano
Mark Moran
Ray Acuna
Sharon Roach
Kalee Robinson, Parks Director •City Staff
Scott Powell, Parks Superintendent
Tyson Traw, Deputy Public Works Director
Marvin Peevey, Grant Writer •Guest
ABSENT: Austin Cobb (City Council Liaison), Mike Battaglino, Steve Gamer, Amy Bobrowitz,
David Bender, Alicia Castilla
1. Call to Order: Josh called the meeting to order at 11:30
2. Approval of Minutes: March meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
3. Project Updates:
3.a. Veteran's Plaza Master Plan: David Coleman summarized the cost estimate of the
Master Plan, with the cost of all five phases at $1.35 million, and the first phase, the
Medal of Honor plaza, at $250,000. The group agreed to pursue the project in phases.
David stated that the Wichita Falls Texas A&M Club has donated approximately
$20,000 for the Thomas Fowler monument, and they have requested an area in the new
walkway be reserved for bricks dedicated to the "Aggie of the Year." The Committee
agreed this will be fine.
3.a.i. Daughters of the American Revolution Patriots Marker Project: Austin is pursuing
a letter from the City of WF to grant approval for the DAR's Patriot Marker, which will be a
plaque on a metal pole at the Veterans Plaza.
3.b.Lake Deepening: No update, we await the USACE to move forward to create the
Determination of Federal Interest.
3.c. Parks Master Plan: Kalee stated that the City Council approved step 1 for funding the
last section of the Circle Trail, along the shore of Lake Wichita, at their meeting last
week. This requires a second approval from the City Council, at their meeting on May
19th, before CO Bonds can be issued and the project begin.
April 14, 2026
David asked about the work to repair the Falls (near Central Freeway) - Kalee
replied construction will start around June, will require closure of the Circle Trail in that
area, and could possibly take 2 years to complete. City Staff is looking to create a
detour route for bikers and runners, but it may not be possible to find a safe route.
4. John Pezzano presentation: John has purchased four small catamaran power boats
that he plans to conduct tours of Lake Wichita, with the history and interesting information
provided during the tour. He expects to be up and running soon.
5. Discussion of Brick Sales and Fundraising Initiatives: David stated there are now
two pending brick orders, and he will check with the engraver to see when they can be
completed.
There were no expenditures this month, so the balance in the Wells Fargo account is
approximately $92,000.
Marvin Peevey introduced himself and stated that we have all the information needed
for him to create some grant requests. A summary of potential grant sources was
provided by Christal (with the P&D Services Dept), which will be very helpful. Marvin will
submit a proposal to David, who will share it with the Committee. Please note that a
motion was approved unanimously at the February meeting to pre-authorize up to $2,50
for this purpose, Marvin asked whether the National Friends of Reservoirs has Bylaws,
and David will get a copy of these.
6. Election of Officers: Josh stated that he has been very busy at work, and would
entertain nominations to replace him as Chair. David nominated Jack Roe, and no other
nominations were offered. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Jack Roe as the new
Chair. No nominations for the other Officers were offered, so the Vice will remain Steve
Garner and Secretary will remain David Coleman.
7. Other Business Matters: Sharon inquired about the sign for visitors at the Veterans
Plaza to access the Brick Order Form, and Kalee stated it is in the queue at the City sign
shop. Funding for this was approved in February, up to $400.
8. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 12:20 pm.
‘ - aia/ 0 C A L,
Ja F1Zoe, Chair Date
April 14, 2026