Department
Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation manages 142 acres of parkland, including Sweet Tea Lake Park, Queso Creek Park and Dad Bod Memorial Park, along with pavilion rentals, community events and Dongvile Cemetery.
Services
- Pavilion RentalsReserve a covered pavilion for birthdays, reunions and church picnics, up to six months ahead.
- Sweet Tea LakeBoat ramp, fishing pier, lakeside trail and a lifeguarded swim beach in summer.
- Community EventsTrunk-or-Treat, Christmas on the Square and other City events.
- Dongvile CemeteryPlot sales, burial permits and interment records.
- Report a Park ProblemBroken playground equipment, lights, restrooms or litter.
- Parks & Recreation Advisory BoardFive residents who advise City Council on parks and programs.
Our Parks
The City maintains 142 acres of parkland. Parks are open dawn to dusk, except Sweet Tea Lake Park, which is open until 10:00 p.m.
| Park | Features |
|---|---|
| Sweet Tea Lake Park | 61-acre lake, boat ramp, fishing pier, lakeside trail, swim beach, two pavilions |
| Queso Creek Park | Creek trail, playground, pavilion, picnic tables and ducks |
| Dad Bod Memorial Park | Ballfields, playground, large pavilion and restrooms |
Pavilion Rentals
Pavilions can be reserved in person at City Hall or by calling Parks & Recreation, up to six months in advance. Payment is due when you book. Pavilions that are not reserved are first come, first served.
| Rental | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Half day (up to 4 hours) | $40 | $60 |
| Full day | $75 | $110 |
| Refundable cleaning deposit | $50 | $50 |
Bounce houses need prior approval and must come from an insured vendor. Amplified sound must end by 9:00 p.m.
Sweet Tea Lake Park
The boat ramp at Sweet Tea Lake Park reopened August 31, 2026, after reconstruction. Boats, kayaks and canoes are welcome, and the entire lake is a no-wake zone. Anglers 17 and older need a Texas fishing license.
The swim beach is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., when lifeguards are on duty. The water beyond the buoy line is not part of the swim area. Learn more at Sweet Tea Lake.
Dongvile Cemetery
The City owns and operates Dongvile Cemetery at Chili Dog St and E 6th St, open dawn to dusk. Parks & Recreation sells plots, issues burial permits and keeps interment records dating back to 1888. The Dongvile Garden Club maintains the plantings and the entrance beds.
For plot availability, burial scheduling or help finding a grave, call the Cemetery Sexton at (936) 555-0116. Funeral homes should call at least 48 hours before a service. See Dongvile Cemetery.
Events
Parks & Recreation hosts or co-hosts several community events each year:
- Trunk-or-Treat: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Dad Bod Memorial Park
- Christmas on the Square and Lighted Parade: Saturday, December 5, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
See the Calendar for times and details.
Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
The five-member Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is appointed by City Council and meets quarterly on the second Thursday. The board reviews park improvements, recreation programs and rental policies, and makes recommendations to council. Meetings are open to the public.
Staff
| Name | Title | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tammy Lindquist | Parks & Recreation Director | parks@dongvile.us |
| Cody Fenley | Parks Superintendent | parks@dongvile.us |
| Jasmine Peterkin | Recreation Coordinator | parks@dongvile.us |
| Wanda Hooten | Cemetery Sexton | (936) 555-0116 |
Documents
- Pavilion Reservation Form
- Park Rules and Regulations
- Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan, 2024–2034
- Cemetery Rules and Plot Prices
Frequently asked questions
What are park hours?
City parks are open dawn to dusk. Sweet Tea Lake Park is open dawn to 10:00 p.m.
Are dogs allowed in City parks?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please pick up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed on the swim beach or the fishing pier at Sweet Tea Lake Park.
Can I swim in Sweet Tea Lake?
Only at the swim beach at Sweet Tea Lake Park, and only when lifeguards are on duty, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Swimming anywhere else in the lake is not allowed.
Can I feed the ducks at Queso Creek Park?
Please do not. The ducks at Queso Creek Park are aggressive and well organized, and feeding them encourages both. Temporary caution signs are posted along the trail.
Is alcohol allowed in City parks?
No. Alcohol is not permitted in any City park or at the cemetery.