History

In 1974 Judge Milton Meyer and Mayor Ken Hill appointed a group of of people who founded the Hood County Bicentennial Commission. This included the following: Bea Allen, Jim Best, Dan Coates, Charlie Cate, JC Campbell, NormaCrawford, Mary Kate Durham, Hildalgo, Ken Hill, Johnny Luton, Andy Rash, Sears, Burl McClellan and Nick Wagley. As their introductory event the commission planned a Fourth of July celebration in Granbury to celebrate the country’s 200th birthday in 1976. The event was a success and was designated an annual event. The primary fundraiser during the Fourth of July festivities was cooking buffalo burgers on the Square.

The group wanted to continue to improve Granbury and Hood County so in 1977, they purchased 4.77 acres of land including the historic two-story rock house known as the Shanley House. The Hood County Bicentennial Commission spent many nights repairing the Shanley House to make it sound and habitable again.The land was named after The Shanley House which became the first official location of the Senior Citizens Center and Meals on Wheels in Granbury.

Thanks to fundraising and donations in 1994 the note on the property was paid in full. Today Shanley House is home to the Lake Granbury Art Association which helps maintain the building while the green space is maintained as a public park.

At this time in the park’s history The Hood County Bicentennial Commission officially evolved its name to the Shanley Park Association. A new generation of leaders, many of whom are related to founding Bicentennial members, take office. The goal of the newly created Shanley Park Association is to preserve historic Shanley House and its surrounding grounds as a community green space for future generations of Hood County.

Shanley Park has hosted Fourth of July activities, carnivals, concerts, festivals, and photoshoots throughout the years. In addition, it has been a local favorite for small weddings and various other activities for those who want to enjoy the open air in the heart of downtown. Upon completion of the Moments in Time Hike and Bike Trail in 2005 Shanley Park became a favorite spot for many, boasting two connector pedestrian bridges and trees along the creek. At Christmas time, it glows with many decorations and lights.

In 2011, Shanley Park Association in collaboration with The Lake Granbury Area Beautification Council erected the park’s first sculpture: The Jewel Ball Fountain and dedicated it in honor of the late Bob Brady.

The Shanley Park Association is currently embarking on an exciting journey to create a one of a kind Sculpture Garden that will expand public understanding and appreciation of art and the environment.