The City of Southlake’s Community Services Department is proud to announce that two of its outstanding leaders have been recognized at the 2025 DFW Directors Association Awards Ceremony.
These awards highlight the exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to service that define Southlake’s approach to community engagement and recreation.
Jennifer Blackstock: Excellence in Mentoring
Jennifer Blackstock’s impact on the City of Southlake extends far beyond her role. Since joining the department in 2018 as an Aquatics Supervisor, she has been instrumental in ensuring world-class safety, training, and leadership development at The Marq Southlake.
Her leadership was pivotal in establishing operational procedures for Champions Club’s Aquatics Center, with a strong emphasis on water safety, lifeguard training, and staff development. She also played a key role in implementing comprehensive CPR, First Aid, and AED training programs across the facility.
As a mentor, Jennifer has helped numerous young professionals advance their careers. One notable example is Zack Miller, who started as a part-time front desk employee and, under Jennifer’s guidance, progressed to Aquatics Coordinator and eventually Aquatics Supervisor. Her ability to recognize potential and foster professional growth makes her an invaluable leader in Southlake’s Community Services Department.
Now serving as Recreation Programs Manager, Jennifer oversees Athletics, Programs, and Outdoor Experiences, continuing her mission to support staff development and enhance program offerings. Her commitment to mentorship and innovation made her a natural choice for the Excellence in Mentoring Award.
Amy Bennett: Distinguished Professional
Amy Bennett’s career in Parks and Recreation exemplifies dedication and excellence. She began her journey with the City of Southlake in 2008 as a part-time Recreation Aid, steadily rising through the ranks to become Champions Club Operations Manager in 2023.
Her leadership has shaped many of Southlake’s most successful recreation programs. From managing the Adaptive Recreation Program to leading the development and launch of Champions Club, Amy’s contributions have left a lasting impact. She was instrumental in creating operational policies for Champions Club, spearheading membership growth initiatives, and enhancing customer service through key staffing adjustments.
During the challenges of COVID-19, Amy demonstrated adaptability by leading a website refresh project, ensuring clear communication and streamlined operations. Today, she oversees Fitness, Guest Services, Aquatics, Memberships, and Rentals, ensuring Champions Club continues to provide exceptional experiences for members and visitors.
Amy’s expertise in recreation management, staff development, and operational efficiency has earned her the Distinguished Professional Award, marking the second consecutive year that Southlake has received this recognition.
A Commitment to Excellence in Parks and Recreation
The City of Southlake is honored to have leaders like Jennifer Blackstock and Amy Bennett, whose dedication and expertise continue to elevate the Community Services Department. Their achievements at the 2025 DFW Directors Association Awards reflect Southlake’s commitment to providing world-class recreational opportunities and professional development for its staff and residents.
For more information on Southlake’s Community Services programs and facilities, visit www.ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com.
Southlake’s annual Sweetheart Dance last Sunday, February 1, was a magical evening filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Families, friends, and loved ones came together to celebrate Valentine’s season with a night of dancing, sweet treats, and cherished moments.
The event space was transformed into a dreamy Valentine’s wonderland, decorated with twinkling lights, heart-shaped décor, and, of course, plenty of sweetheart candies to go around. Guests arrived dressed to impress, ready to dance the night away with their special someone—whether that was a parent, child, grandparent, or best friend.
One of the highlights of the night was the dance floor, where guests of all ages showed off their best moves to a mix of classic and upbeat tunes. Families laughed and twirled together, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Throughout the evening, attendees took advantage of the photo moments set up around the venue. Whether it was a fun candid shot or a posed picture with a loved one, these snapshots captured the joy and excitement of the night.
The Sweetheart Dance continues to be a favorite annual tradition in Southlake, bringing the community together to celebrate love in all its forms. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make this event a success!
While every gym within a 10-mile radius is vying for your attention, Champions Club stands out as so much more than just a gym—it’s the heart of Southlake’s recreation community!
Our New Member Campaign is in full swing, and we’re excited to welcome you into the Champions Club family. With world-class amenities, exclusive perks, and a supportive community, we’re here to help turn your resolutions into lasting achievements.
When you become a member, you’ll enjoy access to:
At Champions Club, we believe in showing appreciation right from the start. When you visit us for a guided tour in January, you’ll receive a free duffle bag! And if you join by January 31, we’ll gift you a free Ice Shaker bottle to kickstart your fitness journey. These offers are available while supplies last, so make sure to hurry in!
Once you’re part of the family, you’ll enjoy access to our monthly Member Appreciation Events, thoughtfully planned by our dedicated Guest Services team. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about hidden fees—we don’t charge start-up, annual, or cancellation fees.
Don’t Miss Our Open House! Mark your calendar for our Champions Club Open House on Saturday, January 11, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This is your chance to:
Best of all, it’s completely free! Discover how Champions Club can support your health and wellness goals in 2025. See the detailed schedule here!
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Champions Club family and support you every step of the way on your wellness journey. See you soon!
At the heart of Southlake’s vibrant parks and programs is an incredible team of Community Services professionals who make it all happen. From managing lush open spaces to organizing summer camps, their mission is clear: making every moment in Southlake memorable.
What ensures this exceptional work continues year after year? It starts with building a world-class team, equipped and empowered to thrive. That’s where the Community Services Employee Onboarding Improvements project comes in!
Led by an innovative group of professionals, this initiative focused on creating a consistent, positive experience for every new hire. After gathering data and feedback, they streamlined the process to seamlessly integrate new team members into Team Southlake.
The result? A program that makes new hires feel valued, excited, and ready to contribute. From pre-arrival communication to regular check-ins, every step supports engagement, growth, and success. Now, managers are equipped with a 90-day checklist to ensure new hires receive the training and support they need.
In recognition of their dedication to continuous improvement, the Community Services Employee Onboarding Improvements Team was honored with the 2024 Employee Appreciation Award for Innovation. With this program in place, Southlake’s Community Services department is better than ever at setting the standard for excellence — ensuring Southlake remains a place of vibrant experiences for all.
Check out the team’s 2024 Employee Appreciation Award Video below:
Step into the past and experience the story of America’s fight for independence like never before! This January, the Southlake Town Hall lobby will host the American Revolution Experience, an immersive history exhibit that brings the birth of our nation to life.
Proudly presented by the Captain Molly Corbin Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this innovative pop-up exhibit offers a fresh take on the Revolutionary War through engaging storytelling, vibrant illustrations, and state-of-the-art digital kiosks. From January 13-18, 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the heroes, events, and ideals that shaped the foundation of the United States right in the heart of Southlake.
To kick off this historic week, the Daughters of the American Revolution invite the community to a public exhibit reception on Sunday, January 12, at 4:00 PM in the Southlake Town Hall lobby. Attendees will have an exclusive preview of the exhibit while enjoying refreshments and learning more about the DAR’s mission to preserve America’s heritage.
As we count down to the nation’s 250th birthday—our Semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026—this exhibit is an inspiring reminder of the courage and vision that built America. Whether you’re a history buff, a student, or curious to learn more, this free exhibit invites you to make history part of your new year.
Exhibit Details:
When: January 13-18, 2025
Where: Lobby of Southlake Town Hall, 1400 Main Street
Hours: Open during Southlake Public Library hours
Make plans to visit the American Revolution Experience and join the January 12 reception to let history inspire your future! Learn more about The Captain Molly Corbin Chapter of the DAR here.
Southlake’s newest recreational facility has quickly made a name for itself among pickleball enthusiasts, earning recognition for its world-class design. Since opening in February, the Southlake Pickleball Complex has been buzzing with activity, and now it has another reason to celebrate! The facility has been awarded the prestigious TRAPS North Recreation Facility Design Excellence Award.
The Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) North Region is a nonprofit organization that has supported the advancement of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas for over 75 years. When the Southlake Pickleball Complex opened its doors, we knew it had to be a contender for this award. The Design Excellence Award highlights projects with outstanding professional design, encourages high levels of recreational use, and fosters collaboration between design and parks professionals. The Southlake Pickleball Complex is a testament to Southlake’s commitment to meeting community needs, achieving excellence, and encouraging teamwork.
This state-of-the-art, championship-level facility welcomes players of all skill levels, offering eight shaded courts, a Championship Court with stadium seating, a Pro Shop, and plenty of seating areas. Since opening, the staff has introduced innovative programming, such as Intro to Pickleball, custom drills, and community league opportunities, enriching the experience for members and guests.
Congratulations to everyone involved in this achievement! City staff will officially accept the award at the TRAPS North Region Conference in Denton on November 4, 2024.
Keep Southlake Beautiful invites the community to participate in the 2024 Fall Sweep Event on Saturday, November 2, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This event offers a great opportunity for residents to make a positive impact on the environment by assisting in removing litter, particularly microplastics, from our local ponds!
Volunteers will clean up two key locations—Chesapeake Pond and Bob Jones Nature Center Pond—to help clean up trash and protect our local ecosystems. Microplastics, which are small plastic particles that harm wildlife and contaminate water sources, are a growing concern. By participating in this event, you can contribute to preserving the beauty and health of Southlake’s natural environment.
This family-friendly event is open to all ages, and no prior experience is needed. Supplies such as gloves, trash bags, and grabbers will be provided to all participants. Volunteers are encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and bring their reusable water bottles to stay hydrated. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
“We’re excited to engage the community in this important effort,” said Madisson Dunn, the City’s Environmental Supervisor, and a key Keep Southlake Beautiful representative. “Every small act, like removing a piece of plastic, helps keep our environment clean and safe for future generations.”
Pre-registration is required. Participants must provide transportation to and from the cleanup locations. Meet us a Chesapkeau Park Pond to sign-in and collect your cleaning supplies. Click here to register.
Help us Keep Southlake Beautiful by joining your neighbors in this meaningful and rewarding event!
Between facilitating wonderful memories at summer camps, continuing the momentum at the new Pickleball Complex, and wrapping up Parks and Recreation Month, there’s never a dull moment in the Community Services Department. Whether you’ve lived in Southlake your entire life or have just begun planting your roots here, chances are you’ve experienced the positive impact of this department – and the fun is only just beginning.
Leading a dynamic transformation is a new executive leadership team, with Director David Miller at the helm. With over 15 years of executive leadership experience, Director Miller brings exceptional strategic skills, asset management expertise, and the ability to foster a healthy and encouraging work environment. Shortly after his promotion in October 2023, Director Miller appointed Ryan McGrail and Fince Espinoza as his deputy directors, forming a powerhouse trio committed to establishing Southlake as a premier destination for memorable community events and activities.
“The team that we have assembled across the Community Services Department is well positioned to continue creating world class experiences for the citizens of Southlake for years to come,” Director Miller said. “Ryan and Fince bring a wealth of experience to the table, but more importantly they bring an incredible amount of passion and dedication to their work. They are constantly working to improve our programming, facilities and parks system by not only making sure we manage our assets well but have our eyes on the future and what’s next in the park and recreation industry.”
The promotion of Ryan McGrail was a natural choice. Ryan has served Southlake for over 25 years and brings a deep understanding of recreational programming to his role. His expertise spans from organizing fantastic events at Legends Hall to ensuring that Champions Club offers top-notch facilities and activities. Ryan's passion for creating engaging, inclusive experiences guarantees that there’s always something for everyone to enjoy.
Covering the Parks and Recreation side of Community Services, Deputy Director Fince Espinoza brings a unique perspective and knowledge from his time serving other cities. With more than 25 years of Parks and Recreation experience, he now oversees the Southlake Parks Teams to ensure that our more than 1,100 acres of open space and 20 parks are in top-notch condition. He also manages the Community Services Capital Improvement Projects and Green Ribbon-funded TXDOT projects, such as the enhancements along the State Highway 114 corridor.
Together, this trio is poised to lead our Community Services department into an exciting new chapter. Their collaborative spirit and their team’s innovative ideas will breathe new life into The Marq and Southlake’s recreational spaces, ensuring they remain cherished assets for generations to come.
Join us for a spectacular Open House event on July 27th at the Champions Club! This is your perfect opportunity to explore everything our facility offers while enjoying a fun-filled day with your family.
Family Fun Day Extravaganza
The Family Fun Day will be in the Fieldhouse from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. We have a fantastic lineup of activities to entertain kids of all ages. There's something for everyone, from thrilling obstacle courses to engaging informational booths. Learn more about our diverse services, including Fitness, Aquatics, Parties, Memberships, Programs, Athletics, and the Bob Jones Nature Center.
Whether your little one is a budding athlete or a curious explorer, they'll find something to ignite their passion at our Family Fun Day. Let them run, jump, and play while you gather information about our top-notch facilities and programs.
Exclusive Membership Special
In addition to all the fun and excitement, we're offering a special promotion for those who choose to join Champions Club during the event. Purchase a membership in person on July 27th, and you'll receive a $25 gift card! This gift card can be used for various amenities, including rentals, concessions, swim lessons, and more. It's our way of welcoming you to the Champions Club family and ensuring you have everything you need to maximize your membership.
Make It a Day to Remember
This event is the perfect opportunity to invite your friends and family for a day of fun and exploration. Discover all the benefits of being a member of the Champions Club and enjoy a day filled with laughter, excitement, and community spirit. Don't forget to bring your sunglasses—it will be a bright and sunny day of festivities!
Event Details:
We can't wait to see you there! Join us for an unforgettable Open House & Family Fun Day at the Champions Club, where fun and fitness create world-class experiences and life-long memories!
July 19th is Park and Recreation Professionals Day, and we can’t miss an opportunity to brag on our world-class Community Services staff.
Southlake’s Community Services team is dedicated to creating beautiful and inviting places where all residents can build life-long memories. Our award-winning parks, recreation, and athletic facilities are busy with kids, friends, and families looking for a fun time on any given day. Vibrant parks like North Park, Liberty Park at Sheltonwood, and Bob Jones Park are bustling and lively thanks to our Southlake Parks employees' hard work and passion.
From contract camps and Adaptive Recreation to fitness and birthday party rentals, our Recreation staff are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all residents. No matter what their job titles may say, every member of the Southlake Community Services team is a professional who takes pride in their work.
“I love my coworkers. Being a part of the landscape crew allows me to get out and work throughout the city.” Tony Mack, Parks Technician
"Hi there! My name is Sean Cornelius, and I am the Pickleball Coordinator for the newly opened Southlake Pickleball Complex. I love my job because I get to be part of the fun in people’s lives. When our members come to the facility they are always here to have a good time with family and friends. Seeing our facility full of life with good music and good times never fails to put a smile on my face. Whether I am teaching clinics, joining in on Open Play, or catching up with members I am proud to be part of our amazing Southlake Pickleball Community!” Sean Cornelius, Pickleball Coordinator
"I enjoy working in Parks and Recreation because my work is tangible, and I can see it every day. I can see the smiles on kids' faces, the satisfaction from a participant when they complete a program, and just in general work in a field whose goal is to bring health and happiness to the community. There is place for every single person to find a home and sense of belonging here with us, as every day is something fresh, new, and exciting in the world of Parks and Recreation!" Jonathan Weeks, Athletics Supervisor
“I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead the incredible group of park and recreation professionals who work daily to create world-class facilities, experiences, and memories for the citizens of Southlake and those who visit. We have the incredible opportunity to create places of belonging for everyone in the Southlake community in a variety of different ways and it takes an incredibly dedicated and talented team to do so. This year’s theme “Where you belong” is especially impactful because in the parks and recreation world that is a place for everyone to belong and that shows both on our team and in the variety of services that we are able to provide to our community,” David Miller, Director
As we celebrate Park and Recreation Month, let’s acknowledge and thank the Southlake Community Services team for their tireless work. They truly create places "where you belong," fostering community spirit and providing spaces for relaxation, play, and connection. Here’s to many more years of enjoying the parks, programs, special events, and facilities that make Southlake a one-of-a-kind place to live.
