top of page

About the Eight at Tool, Inc.

Who We Are

The Eight at Tool, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the vitality of The Eight at Tool Park. Our organization serves as an official partner with the City of Tool ensuring this community space is not only maintained--but actively used, thoughtfully improved, and connected to the people it served.

​

We are volunteers, neighbors and local leaders who believe public spaces reach their full potential when people gather there regularly, feel welcome there, and have opportunities to participate in shaping what happens there.

​

Our work focuses on turning shared spaces into meaningful community places. 

What We Do at The Eight at Tool

Our role goes far beyond hosting a few events. We help shape how The Eight at Tool is experienced week to week and year to year--from the trails to the open green spaces, from the pavilion and gathering areas to the Oran White Center.

Community Events & Festivals

The Eight at Tool, Inc organizes and manages large-scale events that activate The Eight at Tool's open lawn areas, gathering spaces, and event zones. These include seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, live music, vendors markets, and family activities that bring consistent energy and purpose to the space.

Weekly and Ongoing Programs

We coordinate recurring programs that make regular use of the Eight at Tool park and Oran White Center. Activities like pickleball, mahjong, chair yoga and other wellness or social programs give residents reliable ways to connect, stay active and build friendships. 

Trail and Outdoor Space Activation

The walking trail at The Eight at Tool park serves as an everyday wellness space. We support trail expansion, pursue funding improvements, and encourage use through organized, and outdoor-focused events.

Park Features and Amenity Improvement

As a nonprofit, we purse grants and donations to add meaning features throughout the Eight at Tool, such as:

​

  • Outdoor exercise stations

  • Shade structures and seating areas

  • Landscaping and garden enhancements

  • Trail extensions and accessibility upgrades

  • Gathering spaces that support performances, markets, and public activities

​

These improvements help make the space more usable, comfortable, and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. 

Volunteer and Community Engagement

We create opportunities for residents to help the Eight at Tool Inc. through projects like Plant the Park days, event decorating committees, and beautification efforts that support gardens, natural areas and shared spaces. 

Why This Work Matters

The Eight at Tool is one of Tool's most visible and valuable shared spaces. How it feels, functions and grows has a direct impact on community life.

A Place to Gather

By activating open areas, event spaces, and indoor

facilities, we help create safe, welcoming environments

where neighbors meet, families spend time together, and new connections form. 

Access to Resources

Our nonprofit status allows us to apply for grants and

secure sponsorships that bring improvements, equipment,

and programming into The Eight at Tool that might not otherwise be available. 

Serving All Generations

From senior-friendly exercise to family festivals and youth activities, our programming and improvements are designed to make the space inviting for every age group. 

Photo courtesy of Things to Do Cedar Creek Lake

Supporting the Local Community

Events and markets organized by The Eight at Tool inc. create opportunities for local vendors, performers, and small businesses while giving residents more local things to do. 

Ongoing Stewardship

Through regular board involvement, volunteer participation, and

organized improvement efforts, we help ensure The Eight at Tool

remains active and continually growing as a community asset.

Meet Our Park Board

President

Pam Skaggs
 

Large Events

Casey Lee

Vice President

Becky Young

Future Planning

Michael Fladmark

Secretary

Kim Welch

Treasurer

La Mon Cheney

Board to City Liaison

David Moses

Our Impact

As we continue developing programs and partnerships, our focus remains on:​

​

  • Activating the Space: Turning the park into a reliable community destination by hosting recurring weekly programs like Pickleball, Mahjong, and Chair Yoga at the Oran White Center .

​

  • Securing Enhancements: Utilizing our nonprofit status to pursue and manage major funding, such as the $276,000 Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Grant, to expand the walking and bike trail systems.

​

  • Organizing and funding large-scale cultural events like the "Sounds at the 8" Music Festival, Tool O'Ween, and the Candy Cane Trail.

​

  • Volunteer Stewardship: Leading community-driven beautification projects, such as "Plant the Park" days, to enhance the butterfly gardens and natural landscaping.

​

  • Inclusive Programming: Championing the addition of senior-focused exercise stations and ADA-compliant infrastructure to ensure the park serves every generation.

​

  • Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining the "Friends of the Park" fund and "Hot Tax" accounts to ensure community donations are directly reinvested into park activities and areas that support the mission of The Eight at Tool Inc. 

bottom of page