Are you ready to break out your fanciest moves and make some unforgettable memories? Club Metro Prom is less than a week away, and it’s going to be EPIC!
Club Metro, Southlake's premier Adaptive Recreation program, is rolling out the red carpet for a night of laughter, dancing, and pure joy—all in the name of making our participants kings and queens for a night. Join us at the Legends Hall Traditions Ballroom on Wednesday, May 1 from 6:00- 9:00 PM for a night of music, laughter, and fun. Our Prom is more than just a dance—it's a celebration of our incredible Club Metro Members! Whether you're a solo dancer, rolling deep with your crew, or bringing a special someone, there's a place for everyone at our Prom extravaganza.
What's on the agenda? Get ready to strut your stuff on the dance floor as we groove to the beats of all your favorite tunes. And hey, don't worry if you're not a seasoned dancer. This is a judgment-free zone where the only requirement is to have FUN! However, those who like to get competitive can get jiggy with it during our dance-off.
Like all Club Metro events, our Prom will have a variety of activities for our participants to enjoy. From delicious meals, and great fashion, to celebratory crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Club Metro Prom isn't just an event—it's an experience. It's a chance to come together, celebrate with each other, and create life-long memories. So, grab your dancing shoes, put on your party attire, and get ready for a night you'll never forget!
Register today! See you on the dance floor, prom-goers!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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?
