Party place grew like willows around lake

When Larry Young inherited 60 or so acres from his father, once Parker County Sheriff John Young, the most significant aspect of the propery was a lake surrounded by Willow trees.

He began making changes in 2001 by converting a spillway on the lake's southern end to a waterfall. It became one of the most beautiful elements of several striking facets of Willow Lake Gardens.

Working on the waterfall, Larry Young noticed that a nearby tree-shrounded area was the ideal spot for a gazebo. That's when drivers on Mineral Wells Highway took interest. "I was just building a gazebo for family gatherings when someone stopped and asked if they could do a wedding there," Young said. "They offered $200 and said they hadn't been able to find any place else."

 Lary said $200 would be fine, if the wedding party would cut the weeds down, too.

Word got out, and within two weeks someone else asked to wed in the 26-by-12-foot gazebo. Larry then  built a 2,400-square-foot climate controlled reception hall which now is referred as "The Gardens"which is the room next to the gazebo, requests came more frequently.

Larry said he started felling guilty, turning down 60 to 70 weddings a year.

It became so busy that  he then built "The Barn" to handle the overflow,  Among the amenities at Th' Barn are great climate control, a big fireplace, lots of parking, good restrooms and a cedar bar with refrigerator, two sinks and a stove.

Th' Barn has 3,400 square feet in the main hall and the upstairs room, and a 48-by-16-foot balcony. Rustic decor includes lantern light fixtures and natural wood everywhere, including the tables and chairs.

Just outside is an 18-by-12-foot covered stage overlooking an 1,800-square-foot dance floor, a huge grill and a smoker capable of handling 24 briskets at once.

In the front yard is a cabin that John Young brought to the property in 1962  from East Josephine Street. Near that is a pagoda.

 

 

Larry's daughters have come together for the business.

Kelley manages the property assisted by Melissa and Dina provides onsite catering.  You may use your own caterer and alcohol is allowed." 

 

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Willow Lake Gardens is about 3.5 miles west of Parker County Courthouse on Mineral Wells Highway just past Greenwood Cutoff Road. Look for the sign and a rock entrance. Th' Barn is the farthest facility back from the highway. Call 817-599-3407 for more information.