Two-minute impact
The request was for 1,315 linear feet of fencing around the building, including the replacement of an existing fence that runs along the side facing Parker Memorial Cemetery. The fence will be ornamental and 6-feet high and the brick wall along River Oaks Drive will remain untouched, according to city documents. The city of Grapevine has no monetary involvement in building the fence, said city officials.
“The world has changed and we have a great concern about the security for our children and the people that work at our school,” said Tom Ross, the director of construction and facilities for the Diocese of Fort Worth.
Two gates will be along William D. Tate Avenue and will remain open during the designated pick up and drop off times. The cars will enter through one gate at the northeast entrance, circle around the parking lot and exit out the other gate at the southeast corner of the property, per city documents.
What else?
The fence along Parker Memorial Cemetery is over 60 years old and covered with vines and shrubs. A member of the board of directors for the cemetery, Michael Hall, supports the updated fence.
“It would allow us to tear down a very very old fence,” Hall said. “...We’re going to put up this brand-new beautiful fence, so it will just make the cemetery look better and also make it more secure.”
Hall reported that people running through the cemetery and knocking down headstones is a consistent problem with the cemetery.
“Nothing would make me happier than for them to meet something on the other side that would prevent them from escaping,” said Hall.
