Playing softball, soccer and baseball will look different for Southlake athletes in 2024. The Community Services and Public Works Departments are undertaking a project to install artificial turf on 11 playing fields between two parks, Bicentennial and Bob Jones.
Bicentennial and Bob Jones parks both serve as cornerstones of this community. They are the weekend home to thousands of young Southlake athletes who spend time playing baseball, soccer, and softball. The turf updates to the fields add to the appeal of our award-winning parks, as our athletes will be competing on the same turf system used at the Liverpool FC of the English Premier League.
The project scope includes four baseball fields at Bicentennial Park, four softball fields at Bob Jones Park, and three multipurpose fields also at Bob Jones Park. In addition to the new playing surfaces, several fields will receive new fencing and even some new dugouts. Weather permitting, the project is estimated to reach completion in spring 2024.
“We’re so excited to be able to offer these fields to our community,” said Community Services Director David Miller. “The new playing surfaces will be awesome to look at, a great asset to the parks, and will better accommodate the needs of our community.”
Recognizing the opportunity to enhance playing and training capabilities at our parks, City Council approved this major turf project during their Oct. 17, 2023, meeting. GeoSurfaces, Inc, who previously installed turf in the playground area of Bicentennial park earlier in 2023, will be the contractor for the $11.6 million project. Funds for the project are allocated from the Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC) Capital Improvement Program.
This project was made a priority in the 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The plan was formally adopted in 2021, but during the City Council Summer Work Session of 2023, City Council reprioritized replacing the grass in our most popular parks.
The addition of artificial turf brings many advantages. Not only will they have less maintenance needs throughout the year, but they will maximize field use and increase the flexibility of the space. Turf fields are well-drained, making them available for play almost year-round. This means less chances of rainouts for our athletic association partners: Dragon Youth Baseball, Southlake Girls Softball Association and Grapevine-Southlake Soccer Association. Another benefit of turf fields will be the water conservation that will result no longer having to irrigate the fields.
“We can’t wait to see our athletic association partners taking full advantage of the fields once the project is complete,” said Miller. “We’re really looking forward to the kids enjoying the updated spaces.”
Once completed, these fully customized fields will become part of the list of world-class amenities which make Southlake parks stand out in the region. To learn more about the project visit ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com.
The Fit City Challenge starts next week, and if you don't know how to start earning points for Team Southlake, have no fear! The Outdoor Fitness Series is here!
Join us this spring for everyone’s favorite free fitness series. Outdoor classes are located in different parks throughout Southlake and taught by Champions Club’s world-class group fitness instructors. The Outdoor Fitness Series is ideal to try our most popular group fitness classes before committing to a Champions Club membership.
Ready to see what all the Champions Club hype is all about? Mark your schedules for the following times.
Saturday, April 1 at 9:00 AM
High Fitness at the Aria Amphitheater
Tuesday, April 11 at 6:00 PM
Yoga at the Bob Jones Nature Center Pavilion
Wednesday, April 19 at 6:00 PM
Zumba at Aria Amphitheater
Tuesday, April 25 at 6:00 PM
Pilates at Bob Jones Park
Saturday, April 8 at 9:00 AM
Boot Camp at Champions Club Outdoor Turf 1
Thursday, April 13 at 6:00 PM
Pilates at Bob Jones Nature Center Pavilion
Saturday, April 22 at 9:00 AM
Boot Camp at Champions Club Outdoor Turf 1
Thursday, April 27 at 6:00 PM
Yoga at the Aria Amphitheater
No registration or membership is required, so get outside, get a good workout, and get some points for Team Southlake!
Spring Break is next week, and if you aren’t jetting off on a tropical adventure, you may be feeling restless.
Thankfully, Southlake has a myriad of activities to plan an idyllic staycation right in your backyard. If you’re feeling stuck at home next week, here are a few things to do to liven up your week!
Staycation Activities for the Art Lover
Enjoy the Strokes of Art in the Square Exhibit
Museum entry fees can be pricey. If you enjoy looking at unique artwork from nationwide artists, the Strokes of Art Exhibit is a must-see. Pop into the Southlake Town Hall lobby to get a glimpse of the 2023 Art in the Square featured artists. This free art exhibit is just a glimpse of the incredible art that will be on display during the award-winning Art in the Square Festival in April. Once you take a look around, take 5 minutes to vote for your favorite piece via QR code or paper ballot in the lobby!
Explore Southlake Public Art
Southlake is a city that takes public art seriously. You can’t help but pass by an impressive statue anywhere you go. However, if you are in the mood for a scavenger hunt, here’s an idea for a self-guided public art walking tour in Bicentennial Park.
There are three impressive pieces of public art scattered throughout Bicentennial Park. Start at The Marq and head towards the Aria Amphitheater. The stunning, “Southlake Constellation” by Kathi Caricoff rests to the left of the amphitheater. The celestial-inspired work represents the magnificent Texas night sky!
Stroll to the other end of the park, past the water tower and come face-to-face with Seth Vandable’s beautiful “Prairie Winds.” Time travel to centuries past as you observe the details of this piece representative of the early settlers and wagon trails that were common during the westward migration. While you’re there, walk over to the Log Cabin to learn more about the early settlers of Southlake.
The final piece is tucked away within the tranquil Liberty Gardens. Be on the lookout for “Children at Play,” which depicts the relaxed nature of three small children playing in a tree!
Take a picture with all three pieces and tag Experience Southlake with #SouthlakeStaycation!
Enjoy a Concert in the Park
Spring Break is the perfect excuse to enjoy a free concert in the park! The Masterworks Concert Series brings incredible entertainment to the Southlake community each year. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 17 at 7:00 PM at Rustin/ Family Park, and jam out to Escape, DFWs premier Journey cover band. Don’t forget your lawn chair, bug spray, and snacks!
Staycation Activities for the Naturist
Explore the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve
We know we hype up the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve a lot, and it’s because we love this gorgeous piece of the Cross Timbers ecosystem. If you have never ventured out to explore the over 20 miles of hiking trails at the Nature Center, this Spring Break is the time to do it! Don’t forget to visit the pollinator garden while you’re out there! Head out early in the morning to catch the incredible wildlife that calls the Nature Center home!
Go Fishing at Bob Jones Park Fishing Pier
There’s nothing more relaxing than a quiet morning or afternoon fishing by the pond. The Bob Jones Park Fishing Pier sits next to a 6-acre pond that offers a first-class fishing experience. The Fishing Pavilion also offers a shaded picnic area for an afternoon snack!
The park also offers Boo Boo Buddie’s Dog Park, equestrian trails, a playground, and a cricket pitch!
Staycation Activities for the Sports Enthusiast
Visit the Southlake Tennis Center
The Southlake Tennis Center is in Bicentennial Park. This beautiful facility has 19 lighted, hard courts available for rental on an hourly basis. Residents can reserve the courts up to one week in advance for $4.00 for two hours of court time, and non-residents can reserve the court for $5.00. Spring is a wonderful time to catch a game with friends!
Spend the Day at Champions Club
Last but certainly not least, one of the best things you can do during your Spring Break Staycation is paying a visit to Champions Club! If you’re already a member, we know we’ll see your face this week. However, non-members can enjoy a complimentary Day Pass to experience all the hype firsthand.
Relax in the sauna at our world-class Aquatics Center, try our new elliptical machines, or check out a popular group fitness class. Whatever your fitness style is, we have something for you. Become a member during your staycation to reap the full benefits during our Member Appreciation Week in April!
There you have it! Seven staycation ideas for seven days of Spring Break! We hope to see you out and about enjoying your beautiful community next week!
It’s almost the weekend, and it’s time to get outside and explore a new park! This week’s featured community park is Bob Jones Park!
Bob Jones Park is on the northeast side of town alongside N. White Chapel Boulevard. What began as a series of purchases from an underdeveloped small-lot mobile home park eventually became the nearly 500 acres of Cross Timbers habitat nature lovers enjoy today. Bob Jones Park boasts 13 soccer fields, a six-acre pond and fishing pavilion, equestrian trails, a softball complex, a cricket pitch, a playground, public art, and Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park. In addition, Bob Jones Park connects to the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, the premier destination for nature exploration in Southlake.
Bob Jones Park is another shining example of Southlake’s dedication to world-class community parks. Combined with the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, this community investment truly has something for every interest. On any given day, you can see our local Dragons running the trails, nature- lovers exploring the preserve, or athletes perfecting their craft. Our beautiful bat-wing pavilion is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fishing and enjoying a family picnic.
Those who enjoy art and history can check out the beautiful and interactive Bob and Almeady Jones statue installed last October. Visit the Bob Jones Nature Center to learn more about the local family that gave this gorgeous park its name.
Community parks are crucial to promoting healthy, happy, and active residents. We are proud to have many incredible community parks like Bob Jones Park in Southlake.
Visit Bob Jones Park before the year ends and make it a New Year’s Resolution to get outside and explore Southlake’s world-class parks system!
It’s almost the weekend, and it’s time to get outside and explore a new park! This week’s featured community park is Bob Jones Park!
Bob Jones Park is on the northeast side of town alongside N. White Chapel Boulevard. What began as a series of purchases from an underdeveloped small-lot mobile home park eventually became the nearly 500 acres of Cross Timbers habitat nature lovers enjoy today. Bob Jones Park boasts 13 soccer fields, a six-acre pond and fishing pavilion, equestrian trails, a softball complex, a cricket pitch, a playground, public art, and Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park. In addition, Bob Jones Park connects to the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, the premier destination for nature exploration in Southlake.
Bob Jones Park is another shining example of Southlake’s dedication to world-class community parks. Combined with the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, this community investment truly has something for every interest. On any given day, you can see our local Dragons running the trails, nature- lovers exploring the preserve, or athletes perfecting their craft. Our beautiful bat-wing pavilion is the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of fishing and enjoying a family picnic.
Those who enjoy art and history can check out the beautiful and interactive Bob and Almeady Jones statue installed last October. Visit the Bob Jones Nature Center to learn more about the local family that gave this gorgeous park its name.
Community parks are crucial to promoting healthy, happy, and active residents. We are proud to have many incredible community parks like Bob Jones Park in Southlake.
Visit Bob Jones Park before the year ends and make it a New Year’s Resolution to get outside and explore Southlake’s world-class parks system!
We’re almost to the finish line of the Fit City Challenge, and we know just the way to rack up those final minutes!
Grab your walking shoes and creativity and meet Southlake Sister Cities on Saturday, May 14 at Bob Jones Park. Come out to Southlake’s new painted rock garden at 9:00 AM for a family-friendly, 0.5-mile hike on the paved path!
Come marvel at the painted rocks under the trees and take a moment to create your own painted rock that you can keep or leave behind to join the other painted rocks! Southlake Sister Cities will provide all the supplies to make your artistic vision come to life!
This is the perfect event to flex your athletic and creative muscles. Finish the Fit City Challenge strong with your friends and learn more about this incredible non-profit organization!
The rock garden is located next to the baseball fields, across from Boo Boo's Buddies Dog Park.
See you at Bob Jones Park!
On Sunday, October 24, the City of Southlake hosted a public art dedication and celebration for Seth Vandable’s “Bob and Almeady Jones” statue at Bob Jones Park.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the park. Descendants from the Jones family, City Council members, Arts Council members, and Southlake Historical Society members gathered to unveil Southlake’s latest public art piece. Southlake Mayor, John Huffman opened the ceremony, followed by remarks by Arts Council Chairperson Tamara McMillan and Historical Society Historian Anita Robeson. The ceremony concluded with some words from Bob Jones’ grandson, Dr. William Jones.
“Art, in all of its forms, is so vital to a City and a community. Southlake has shown a steadfast commitment to the arts in recent years as we have unveiled public art pieces in the City's roundabouts, parks, and facilities. Today's celebration is another example of the City Council's commitment to ensuring that art tells the story of our past, present, and future,” stated Mayor Huffman.
The Bob and Almeady Jones Statue is a memorial to the monumental role the Jones family played in Southlake’s development.
“Bob was a brilliant horse and cattleman. An excellent businessman, whose word and a handshake was his bind… He eventually acquired and operated over 2,000 acres in what is now Southlake. It’s a wonderful tribute that part of that original property is preserved in the Bob Jones Park and Nature Center. I am the youngest of the last of Bob and Almeady’s 24 grandchildren. No Jones descendant carries on the ranching tradition or lives in the area at present. But new generations of Jones descendants have the opportunity to visit the property and remember our past with pride…. The statue is a marvelous addition to Bob Jones Park, and will serve as a positive pictorial reminder of their legacy to all who visit for years to come,” stated Dr. Williams Jones.
After the ceremony, Jones family members unveiled the new statue together. The interactive art piece depicts Bob and Almeady Jones enjoying a freshly harvested summer meal after a hard day’s work of farming and teaching their 10 children. They are dressed in period attire and are seated on a stone bench and table, welcoming visitors to sit with them and enjoy a community meal together.
When describing the statue, Southlake Arts Council Chair, Tamara McMillan, stated that, “The portraits are welcoming likenesses, while still reflecting a measure of determination required to meet the challenges they face and burdens they carry. The sculpture is designed in the round, highlighting possible fruits and foods they would have harvested in the area, making it interesting from every angle.”
This public art dedication was unlike any other the City has hosted. After the unveiling, guests enjoyed a community meal at the Bob Jones Park Fishing Pavilion. A fiddler played as Jones family members from across the country ate together in celebration of their family’s legacy.
The Bob and Almeady Jones statue is located in Bob Jones Park in front of the playground. Community members can visit and take pictures with the beautiful interactive piece. Thank you to the Southlake Arts Council and Southlake Historical Society for helping make this addition to our Public Art collection a reality.
To learn more about Bob Jones and his family, visit the Bob Jones Exhibit at the Bob Jones Nature Center.
On Sunday, October 24, the City of Southlake hosted a public art dedication and celebration for Seth Vandable’s “Bob and Almeady Jones” statue at Bob Jones Park.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the park. Descendants from the Jones family, City Council members, Arts Council members, and Southlake Historical Society members gathered to unveil Southlake’s latest public art piece. Southlake Mayor, John Huffman opened the ceremony, followed by remarks by Arts Council Chairperson Tamara McMillan and Historical Society Historian Anita Robeson. The ceremony concluded with some words from Bob Jones’ grandson, Dr. William Jones.
“Art, in all of its forms, is so vital to a City and a community. Southlake has shown a steadfast commitment to the arts in recent years as we have unveiled public art pieces in the City's roundabouts, parks, and facilities. Today's celebration is another example of the City Council's commitment to ensuring that art tells the story of our past, present, and future,” stated Mayor Huffman.
The Bob and Almeady Jones Statue is a memorial to the monumental role the Jones family played in Southlake’s development.
“Bob was a brilliant horse and cattleman. An excellent businessman, whose word and a handshake was his bind… He eventually acquired and operated over 2,000 acres in what is now Southlake. It’s a wonderful tribute that part of that original property is preserved in the Bob Jones Park and Nature Center. I am the youngest of the last of Bob and Almeady’s 24 grandchildren. No Jones descendant carries on the ranching tradition or lives in the area at present. But new generations of Jones descendants have the opportunity to visit the property and remember our past with pride…. The statue is a marvelous addition to Bob Jones Park, and will serve as a positive pictorial reminder of their legacy to all who visit for years to come,” stated Dr. Williams Jones.
After the ceremony, Jones family members unveiled the new statue together. The interactive art piece depicts Bob and Almeady Jones enjoying a freshly harvested summer meal after a hard day’s work of farming and teaching their 10 children. They are dressed in period attire and are seated on a stone bench and table, welcoming visitors to sit with them and enjoy a community meal together.
When describing the statue, Southlake Arts Council Chair, Tamara McMillan, stated that, “The portraits are welcoming likenesses, while still reflecting a measure of determination required to meet the challenges they face and burdens they carry. The sculpture is designed in the round, highlighting possible fruits and foods they would have harvested in the area, making it interesting from every angle.”
This public art dedication was unlike any other the City has hosted. After the unveiling, guests enjoyed a community meal at the Bob Jones Park Fishing Pavilion. A fiddler played as Jones family members from across the country ate together in celebration of their family’s legacy.
The Bob and Almeady Jones statue is located in Bob Jones Park in front of the playground. Community members can visit and take pictures with the beautiful interactive piece. Thank you to the Southlake Arts Council and Southlake Historical Society for helping make this addition to our Public Art collection a reality.
To learn more about Bob Jones and his family, visit the Bob Jones Exhibit at the Bob Jones Nature Center.
It was a dark and spooky night, and ghosts and ghouls gathered at Bob Jones Park for a weekend of Halloween-themed fun.
The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve hosted its annual Haunted Family Campout this past weekend from Saturday, October 9, through Sunday, October 10. 70 community members gathered in Bob Jones Park with their tents, sleeping bags, and sense of adventure for a weekend of freights and delights under the Southlake stars.
Camping activities included morning and evening hikes, a scavenger hunt, games, and Halloween adventures! Families also enjoyed tales from local Storyteller and retired Southlake Librarian, Elizabeth Beamon. Participants rose to the occasion, bringing their costumes and decorations to make their campsites the spookiest around. The festivities also featured arts and crafts, nature-themed hikes on the glowstick-lined Bluebird Trail, and dinner, snacks, and breakfast for the participants. The Bob Jones Nature Preserve provided the perfect background to learn more about our local wildlife while getting into the Halloween spirit. Local in-kind sponsors included Sprouts and Starbucks.
The Haunted Family Campout is for sure a community-favorite program that staff enjoys putting on and sells out quickly every year.
There’s always something exciting happening at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve! Don’t miss out on our next Community Lake Hike happening on November 20!
We mean it when we say we are a Champions Club family, and that extends to our four-legged champions!
Champions Club members, join us on Monday, September 27 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm for a can’t miss member appreciation celebration! This legendary crossover event will have you asking, “who let the dogs out?”
We love working out and prioritizing wellness for the whole family, and this time we mean the entire family! Because our fur babies can’t join us at Champions Club, we are bringing the fun and exercise to them! Bring your favorite four-legged friend and meet us at Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park for a fun evening inside Bob Jones Park featuring giveaways, dog treats, toys, and more!
Champions Club members have more in common than they may think. They are determined, love a challenge, are willing to go the extra mile, and love their dogs! What better way to get to know your fellow workout buddies than by meeting their Boo Boo’s Buddies as well?
When asked about the inspiration behind this furtastic idea, Membership Services Coordinator, Marianne Burton explained that she, “thought it might be fun for members to connect with other members that share a common interest. Spending time together with friends and pets in a park that's part of their community is a great way to bond outside of the Champions Club environment! We will have a fun giveaway as well as treats and toys for pets!”
Don’t miss out on one-of-a-kind members-only appreciation events like this one! Join Champions Club today to get the true family experience!
Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park is located inside Bob Jones Par at 3901 N. White Chapel Bvd.
