Friday, March 29, 2024

Southlake’s Community Services Department Triumphs at DFW Directors Association Awards, Securing Three Prestigious Honors

The spotlight was firmly on the City of Southlake’s Community Services Department at the recent DFW Directors Association Awards Ceremony, where the team clinched three prestigious accolades.

The event, held at the state-of-the-art Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center, celebrated excellence in the Parks and Recreation profession, bringing together professionals from the dynamic DFW metroplex.

The Community Services Department’s commitment to excellence and the exemplary achievements of its world-class professionals were recognized across three distinct categories:

Parks Manager Mike Reasoner – Distinguished Professional Award: In his 20 years with the City of Southlake, Mike Reasoner has witnessed the parks system grow to over 1,100 acres and has managed several major park improvement projects. His attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and commitment to teamwork make him an outstanding Parks Manager and a valuable member of the Southlake team.

Community Relations Manager Vicky Schiber – Excellence in Mentoring Award: Vicky Schiber serves as the Community Relations Manager, and is a catalyst for professional development, empowering young professionals to grow in their field. This summer, Vicky mentored a part-time Recreation Specialist-turned-intern, helping him secure a coveted full-time position with another department in the City. Her dedication to teaching essential skills and fostering growth underscores her role as a mentor committed to the success of her team members.

Programs Staff Jonathan Weeks, Sara Farris, and Jason Ellison for Club Metro Summer Camp – Inclusion Award: Club Metro, Southlake’s premiere Adaptive Recreation Program, expanded into a summer camp for the first time this year. The sold-out run and perfect Net Promoter scores showcased the success of Club Metro Camp, held during the weeks of June 26-30 and July 31-August 4. The full-day camp featured activities, meals, and exciting outings, ensuring all participants’ needs were met. After this impactful first year, the staff eagerly anticipates hosting Club Metro Camp next summer.

The 2024 DFW Directors Association Awards Ceremony was a fun staff-bonding event, hosted at the impressive Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center. What made the victories even sweeter was the element of surprise, as award winners were kept in the dark about their nominations until the grand reveal.

“The City of Southlake congratulates all the award winners for their outstanding achievements and the phenomenal service they provide to our residents,” said David Miller, Director of the Community Services Department. “We take immense pride in our team’s commitment to excellence, and these awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

As the Community Services Department continues to set benchmarks in the field, the City of Southlake looks forward to even greater accomplishments and contributions to the well-being and enrichment of the community.

Meet Sara Farris, Programs Supervisor

You have to be ready for anything in Parks and Recreation. Things can change constantly, and the best professionals are always ready to respond.

There’s a new face in the Programs Division, the new Programs Supervisor, Sara Farris! Sara recently joined us from the City of Denton and is already positively impacting the Community Services team! With extensive, city, recreation, and programming experience, we are lucky to have someone like Sara stepping into this critical position.

Let’s get to know her a bit better.

How long have you worked in municipal government?

I started working part-time for the City of Plano Parks and Recreation in July 2002 at Carpenter Park Recreation Center. I became full-time there in 2004. I was a Recreation Coordinator in charge of Adult classes. I then moved to the Tom Muehlenbeck Center in Plano in 2010 as the Lifeguard Coordinator, then became the Aquatic Supervisor in 2012. I left in 2016 to be the Recreational Care Supervisor in Denton. I came here in July 2023!

What’s your favorite part about working in Recreation?

My favorite part about working in recreation is getting to help people create memories. I love that it’s different every day, and the people are great!

What’s something everyone should know about programming?

Recreation programs are great if you are thinking about trying something new. You could pick up a new hobby, skill, or knowledge from taking one class. Get creative and expand your horizons!

What are you most looking forward to in this new position?

Summer Camp is always my favorite time of year. I am looking forward to meeting the campers and being a part of their amazing summer next year. I am also looking forward to expanding my programming knowledge with Club Metro.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have a side hustle where I make shirts and personalized items in my free time.  I also run and hang out with my kids.  They are super involved in gymnastics and flag football!

Welcome to the team, Sara! We’re so happy to have you on board! Be on the lookout for the innovative and fun programs put together by Sara and her team!

Where Community Grows: The Community Relations Division

Parks and recreation professionals have a variety of jobs, and the Community Relations division perfectly exemplifies how this small but mighty team wears multiple hats.

You can’t run an award-winning community recreational facility without a killer marketing strategy and passionate individuals ready to tell your story. The Community Relations division manages the department’s social media accounts, website, newsletter, and all digital marketing services for The Marq Southlake, the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve, and our various recreational programs and parks system.

Their digital marketing strategy is responsible for our Champions Club’s continued membership growth and the positive attention our department receives. Whether they’re revamping the Experience Southlake website, out taking pictures, or getting content for Instagram, this team is all about capturing life-long memories and celebrating the world-class services our department provides.

While departmental marketing is a full-time job, this team goes above and beyond traditional marketing services for the Community Services department. This division is also responsible for managing small community events in our park and working with our community services agreement partners to provide essential services to our residents. When community partners want to host a 5K run or bring neighbors together at a park, this team helps them ensure their event is successful!

In true communicator fashion, the individuals behind this team prefer to stay behind the camera. However, actively involved Southlake residents know that they are essential to the success of the Community Services Department.

Happy Park and Recreation Month to the Community Relations Division. Your work exemplifies where community grows!

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July!

The City of Southlake’s Community Services Department celebrates Park and Recreation Month this July with the theme “Where Community Grows.” This month plays a vital role in building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

 

Southlake’s Community Services Department boasts world-class parks and recreation professionals dedicated to helping our community grow! Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is about shining a light on the positive impact of public parks and recreational services on their community. It’s time to celebrate how our Southlake community grows all month long.

 

We will highlight participants and staff from all our Community Services divisions during July. You can see the essential services, and the people who provide them, by following our social media page @experiencesouthlake.

 

To help celebrate Park and Recreation Month further, the Community Services Department put together a Parks and Recreation calendar of events. There is a highlighted activity for Southlake residents and visitors to do with their friends and family every day in July. July is always a blast with many world-class activities!

 

To learn more about Park and Recreation Month and its history, visit www.nrpa.org/July. Check out our daily calendar of ways to join the celebration at www.experiencesouthlaketexas.com.

Registration for Summer 2023 Programs is Open!

We’re a few months away from summer vacation, but summer registration for programs is currently open to residents!

There’s no time like today to get a head start on our summer scheduling. Our Programs and Athletics team planned an extravagant summer season with a program for every need and interest.

For our little creatives, we have a wide range of recreational art programs to choose from. Whether your kiddo loves yoga, ballet, chess, magic, or music, there’s a class or program for them. If your child is interested in STEAM, our science-based camps will pique their interest. From film-making, and video game design, to robotics and engineering, there’s a fun and educational program for your future STEAM professional. Ready to secure your spot? Register for summer programs today.

If your child is more interested in sports, check out our summer athletics season. Summer is the best time for your athlete to perfect their skills during the school break. Registration for Girls’ Volleyball and Summer Basketball is now open. Join a team and get ready to leave it all on the court. Our Athletics staff have also put together a fun roster of Athletic programs for those wanting to improve their skills without the commitment of being on a team.

Don’t wait to secure your spots for any of these programs. Get in your registration soon! Registration for non-residents opens on April 17.

 

Southlake Athletics Are a Slam Dunk!

Winter Basketball came and went, and now we’re ready for our Spring and Summer Seasons!

The Athletics staff has been busy kicking off Spring Volleyball and Flag Football after wrapping up another successful Winter Basketball season. As they prepare to welcome new athletics participants, we thought it fitting to highlight last season’s success.

Winter Basketball was a slam dunk last season as the league consisted of 110+ teams ranging from the 6-Year-Old Co-Ed League to the 14U Boys Teams League. Our participation numbers increased by 50% from last year’s numbers boasting around 1,000 participants playing in our winter league! These kids and volunteer coaches left it all on the court and brought home some gold!

Here’s a list of the Winter Basketball Champions:

  • 8U Boys Draft League: Razorbacks
  • 8U Girls Draft League: Orcas
  • 10U Boys Draft League: Mavs
  • 10U Girls League: Lady Tigers
  • 12U Boys Draft League: Tarheels
  • 8U Boys Teams League: Bulldogs
  • 8U Girls Teams League: Shooting Stars
  • 10U Boys Teams League: K5
  • 10U Girls Teams League: Alley-Oops
  • 12U Boys Teams League: Eubanks Dragons
  • 12U Girls Teams League: Ferocious Bulldogs
  • 14U Boys Teams League: Southlake Swoosh

Congratulations to all participants for a successful Winter Basketball season!

As our athletic seasons continue, our participation numbers continue to rise! For our Spring Leagues, we are excited to have 830 participants in Flag Football and 350 athletes registered for Girls’ Volleyball. Our goal is to provide world-class experiences to all our athletes, and we can’t wait to see what the Spring leagues will accomplish.

Ready to see your child’s team play for a championship? Summer registration for Teams Basketball and Girls Volleyball is now open for residents and opens on April 17 for non-residents.

Get Outside for National Take a Walk in the Park Day!

We’re all about a fun holiday in the Community Services Department, especially when it has to do with our parks!

Today is National Take a Walk in the Park Day, and we are so excited to get outside and enjoy the beautiful parks and trails in Southlake. Our residents are lucky to have many community and neighborhood parks to explore. From the award-winning Bicentennial Park and gorgeous Bob Jones Nature Center to the tucked-away Liberty Park at Sheltonwood, there’s a park for everyone!

If you want to incorporate retail therapy into your walk, visit any of our four public parks in Town Square! Rustin, Family, Summit, and Cornish parks are all conveniently close to your favorite Southlake businesses! If you like a beautiful water feature during your walk, check out Chesapeake Park and walk around the pond. Liberty Park at Sheltonwood offers a peaceful trail that leads to a beautiful pavilion and footbridge!

Walking outside is an incredible wellness habit to incorporate into your daily routine. Going for a walk outdoors, especially in a beautiful public park, can help you relax, clear your mind, and soak up some much-needed Vitamin D. Bring your family or friends along for a healthy alternative to going to a restaurant to catch up!

Make walking in the park a part of your wellness routine, and track every mile during the Fit City Challenge! Where are you going for a walk today?

Experience Southlake Celebrates International Day of Happiness!

It’s another motivational Monday at the Community Services Department as we pause to recognize International Day of Happiness.

March 20 is the UN International Day of Happiness. Parks and Recreation professionals know a thing or two about happiness because it’s our job! This year’s theme is “Be Mindful. Be Grateful. Be Kind.” While the world seems stressful, finding happiness can be simple if you practice the tenants of this year’s theme.

Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a practiced skill that can help you stay in the moment. If you start feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to breathe deeply and notice how your body is feeling. Commit to appreciating every moment you experience today!

Our Fitness and Performance Supervisor knows a thing or two about being mindful. Everyone at Champions Club has experienced Jake Coldren’s happy energy. Here’s how he maintains a healthy balance throughout his day by practicing mindfulness.

“I like to practice mindfulness by taking the time to stop and live in the present, also I try to remind myself that life isn’t happening TO me but more so FOR me,” stated Jake.

Be Grateful
Gratitude is essential to increasing our happiness. Instead of stressing about the things you don’t have or haven’t achieved yet, jot down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. We’re thankful for many things at the Community Services Department, especially spending our days helping our residents create life-long memories.

Here’s what our Deputy Director of Community Relations is grateful for today. “I am most grateful for the time spent with my wife and two stepdaughters. I try very hard to be mindful of how powerful every moment is that we get to share together. Whether it’s a conversation during our weekly Sunday evening dinners as we prepare for the week ahead, or sitting outside watching my youngest ride her bike in the cul de sac, those are small moments of joy that I am very grateful for. I am also very grateful to work for the City of Southlake as we have an opportunity to truly serve others and live out our mission to create world-class experiences every day. I’m grateful for the teamwork and camaraderie that City of Southlake employees share that is truly second to none.”

Be Kind
Kindness is a quintessential trait for happy individuals. When you are kind to others, you enhance your confidence and sense of optimism. The best part? Kindness tends to be contagious! Once you give it to others, they tend to give it back.

Our staff knows that kindness is crucial to our commitment to world-class service. They also incorporate it into every aspect of their lives. Our Senior Center members experience Soheila’s caring nature every day. Here’s how Soheila keeps kindness at the forefront of her customer service approach.

“Happiness is allowing people to express and be themselves. Kindness is bringing joy and a smile to someone’s day by doing the smallest things like acknowledging a new hairdo, a colorful outfit, and letting them know you are happy to see them. It’s letting someone know they matter to you and their joy is your joy. Seniors like to be seen, and letting them know you see them brings them joy and a reason to keep going,” said Soheila.

We love the UN’s theme for this year’s International Day of Happiness! Mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness go hand-in-hand with the Community Services Department’s mission to create world-class experiences.

How will you incorporate this year’s theme into today?

Celebrate National Children’s Craft Day!

Spring Break is here, and we know parents are looking for ways to keep their young kiddos creative, active, and engaged.

Not only is it Spring Break, but it’s also National Children’s Craft Day! National Children’s Craft Day is a component of National Craft Month that encourages young people to get creative and develop their skills. Crafting can become a useful life-long hobby as it promotes relaxation, innovation, and critical thinking skills, according to nationaltoday.com.

Today is the perfect occasion to carve out a few hours to create crafts and life-long memories with your kids. Luckily, our Community Services team has spent the last few years finding and filming easy-to-recreate-at-home crafts for our young residents.

Here are a few handy-dandy crafts from our video arsenal!

Quick Cup Crafts
The best thing about children’s active imaginations is their ability to see beyond the utilitarian purpose of commonplace items. Do you have a few extra paper cups and plates around your house? Instead of using them once and discarding them immediately, save a few paper cups for these three fun crafts! Click the video below to learn how to make a custom pencil holder, a friendly Monster Cup, and a festive Snowman Cup to use as a piece of holiday decoration next winter.

Cup Screenshot

Paper Spinner
Who needs a fidget spinner when you can make your own colorful paper spinner? Follow along with the video below to learn how to make an entertaining spinner to keep your kids engaged for hours. Create a rainbow effect with different colored paper, or customize it to match your kid’s fun personality. The entire family will be delighted with this paper spinner!

Paper Spiner Screenshot

Paper Frog
Origami can take years of practice to master. This paper frog craft is a perfect entry point if your child has demonstrated an interest in learning the intricate skills of paper folding. Grab some green paper and follow along to make your hopping companion!

Frog Video Screenshot

There are so many ways to get creative with your little one today! What will you create?