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- Experience Southlake
Friday, April 19, 2024
In Southlake, we take safety seriously; our splash pads are no exception. Although there are a few types of splash pads throughout the City, checks and balances are strategically used to ensure that water play is safe wherever you go in Southlake.
Aquatics Supervisor Jennifer Blackstock and Parks Crew Leader Johnny Lopez know these systems better than anyone, so they joined Minute with the Mayor this week to discuss Southlake’s safety commitment.
There are two types of splash pads in Southlake – the first is the recirculation splash pad, and the second is the flow-through splash pad.
Blackstock mentioned that the splash pad at Champions Club uses a recirculation system outfitted with a UV disinfection system and filter. Water tests are conducted each hour to ensure quality as well. This is the same system the water in the pool at Champions Club also goes through.
The Experience Southlake page about splash pad safety says, “The UV systems at both Southlake splash pads operate above the minimum requirement of 40mj/cm2 dosing rate to ensure an enhanced level of disinfection and user safety.”
Although the same amount of fun, the splash pad at Bicentennial Park is a bit different! Lopez noted that the splash pad at Bicentennial Park is flow-through, meaning that the water is not reused, and it is the same quality of water that flows from the faucets in your home. The water from the Bicentennial splash pad drains into the pond at the park. The pond is then used to irrigate about 80 acres of greenspace in Southlake.
Our teams are dedicated to making this summer a splash while keeping residents safe. To view more in-depth information about how the splash pads work, please visit the Experience webpage.
To watch the full episode of Minute with the Mayor, click below.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it’s the perfect time to welcome summer and honor the memory of our fallen heroes.
This year, why not make the most of the extended weekend by immersing yourself in nature and enjoying the great outdoors at your Southlake public parks? From outdoor adventures to peaceful relaxation, here are some world-class activities to schedule for your Memorial Day weekend.
Enjoy the MasterWorks Concert Series
Start your weekend right this Memorial Day by heading to Rustin and Family Park for a free public concert on Friday, May 26 at 7:00 PM! Come out and enjoy a performance by Satellite, a modern, high-energy party band, as they perform the hottest party hits from the 70s to current Top 40 songs. Spread your blanket on the lush green grass in Southlake Town Square, sway to the music, and immerse yourself in the crowd’s energy. The Masterworks Concert Series is perfect for sharing joy, connecting with others, and creating life-long memories.
Picnic at the Park
Gather your loved ones and embark on a delightful picnic in the scenic surroundings of Bob Jones Fishing Pier, the Playground at Bicentennial Park, or at Liberty Park at Sheltonwood. Pack a smorgasbord of delectable treats, refreshing beverages, and classic American favorites like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Set up a cozy blanket, enjoy the warm sunshine, and indulge in good food and great company over the long weekend. Reserve a pavilion today!
Hiking and Nature Trails
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life by exploring the nature trails and hiking paths at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. Lace up your hiking boots, grab a water bottle, and venture into the Cross Timbers ecosystem to witness the beauty of our local flora and fauna firsthand. Breathe in the fresh air, admire breathtaking views, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Remember to choose trails suitable for your fitness level and bring a camera to capture our animal neighbors. Share your pictures on our Instagram @bjncp_southlake!
Reflect with Public Art
While a long weekend is always appreciated, Memorial Day weekend is about honoring those who have passed while serving our country. Spend a moment of quiet contemplation at the Liberty Gardens in Bicentennial Park while admiring the newest piece in our Public Art Collection. “Remembrance and Renewal” by Mark and Diane Weisbeck. While this piece is specifically dedicated to those lost during the 9/11 attacks, its presence in the Liberty Gardens invites everyone to honor those who sacrificed for our freedoms.
This Memorial Day weekend, reconnect with nature, honor the spirit of remembrance, and revel in the beauty of our Southlake public parks!
Summer is in full swing in Southlake and the entire town is bustling with activity. The Southlake Senior Activity Center is no exception with three adventure-filled trips scheduled for July.
Planning and accompanying our Seniors on local field trips is a staff highlight at the Senior Center. July’s Senior trips have something for everyone—from resident dino-philes, art buffs, or musical theater connoisseurs!
The Dinosaur Company
Wednesday, July 6 at 10:00 AM
Visit the only animatronic dinosaur factory in the US. Enjoy a one-hour tour of the creature workshop and animatronic exhibit in the City of Allen. The Dinosaur Company is a leader in the development and design of animatronic technology. See the amazing world of dinosaurs come to life. Register here.
The Music Man at Theater Denton
Sunday, July 17 at 1:00 PM
Revisit Meredith Wilson’s infamous Golden Age musical about a traveling conman who falls in love with a witty librarian in the stubborn town of Rivercity, Iowa. Sing along to Broadway classics such as “76 Trombones,” “Shipoopi,” and “’Til There Was You.” Enjoy a wonderful weekend matinee performance with friends. Register here.
Kimble Art Museum
Wednesday, July 27 at 9:30 AM
Art lovers assemble and join us as we explore The Language of Beauty in African Art special exhibit at the Kimble Art Museum in Fort Worth. This world-class art museum curates the most cutting-edge exhibits and brings them to life for a DFW audience. This exhibit illustrates sub-Saharan concepts of beauty through a unique exploration of language, objects, and visual arts. Register here.
Explore the DFW Metroplex with us! See you at the Southlake Senior Activity Center!
Summer Camp Mania is right around the corner, and you don’t want to miss your chance to snag a coveted remaining spot!
The early bird gets the worm, but we still have a few spots remaining for Summer Camp Mania Weeks Five, Six, and Seven! If you are looking for a world-class day camp experience for your kiddos, look no further than Southlake’s premier summer camp!
Summer Camp Mania provides a safe and fun environment where kids are number one! Our outstanding combination of structured and free play, guest instructors, educational field trips, and award-winning Champions Club facility makes us the best summer camp!
Our dedicated Programs staff is committed to helping our campers create life-long memories. From relaxed movie days, adventurous inflatables and bounce houses, and exhilarating pool days at our Aquatics Center, to field trips, there’s something for everyone at Camp Mania! This summer, our campers will be going to Legoland/Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, the Crayola Experience, and Hawaiian Falls, to name a few.
Each week delivers campers various recreational opportunities that never get redundant. Whether you sign up for one week or more, you’re guaranteed to have an individualized experience.
Don’t miss your chance to snag one of our few remaining spots! Take a sneak peek at our incredible schedule and enroll your kiddo today!
Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to start planning for our premier recreational program, Summer Camp Mania!
We are looking for various Volunteer Counselors to help us make this year’s camp the best one ever. Do you know a world-class volunteer looking to enhance their resume, gain real-world experience, and create life-long memories for our Camp Mania participants? We’re currently recruiting responsible, creative, and outgoing volunteers!
This is an incredible opportunity for those who love working with kids to earn between 40-80 hours of volunteer service. Sound like the dream gig? Check our criteria to see if we are a perfect match!
Does this sound like you or someone you know? Spread the word and help us find the best group of Volunteer Counselors. You can learn more about volunteering for Camp Mania here!
It’s time to jazz things up at the Southlake Senior Activity Center. Our upcoming Spring programs are sure to razzle-dazzle!
Our Senior Activity Center Staff works hard to provide fun and innovative programs for our members. We have a lot of exciting opportunities coming up in the next few months, and we are thrilled to share them with our senior center members. Whether you want to socialize with friends, take a field trip out of town, or learn a new skill, our upcoming programs will brighten up your day.
Plan ahead for these nifty programs:
Monthly Jazzy Lunch Social
Slick your hair, wear your buckled shoes, and join us for our new monthly Jazzy Lunch Social! Enjoy a musical lunch hour with friends and relax to the soothing sound of live classical jazz performed by internationally known pianist Mr. Milton Fletcher. Our first Jazzy Lunch Social is next week on Tuesday, April 26 from 12:30-1:30 PM. This program is $6.00, and pre-registration is required. Other dates include May 31 and June 28!
Two Brothers Winery Trip
Attention all wine lovers and connoisseurs! Join us on Friday, April 29 from 1:40- 4:00 PM as we visit Two Brothers Winery in Keller for a guided tour and a flight of 4 tastings with a small snack. Two Brothers Winery is a local family business owned and operated by two brothers, their spouses, and two long-time family friends. Pre-registration is required ($3.00), and the event fee for this outing is $15.00, which will be paid directly to the vendor. Don’t forget to bring money for lunch. Register here.
Joe T. Garcia’s and Ft. Worth Stockyards
Wrangle up your buddies and enjoy a delicious lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s on Wednesday, May 4 from 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM. Explore the famous Fort Worth Stockyards after lunch and learn about this incredible historic district. Registration is required, and the registration fee is $3.00. Make sure to bring money for shopping.
Water Safety Seminar
May is National Water Safety Month, and it’s never too late to learn how to be safe in the water. Join our Champions Club Aquatics staff on Tuesday, May 3 from 1:30-2:30 PM as they discuss tips on how to stay safe in and around the water. This crucial seminar is just in time for summer. Register here.
We can’t wait to see you at one or all of these exciting events. Subscribe to the Senior Activity Center emails to stay up-to-date on our programs and activities.
Experiencesouthlaketexas.com received a facelift that is giving us fierce vibes!
If you’ve logged on to the Experience Southlake Texas website in the last week, then you’ve noticed it looks very different. The Community Services Community Relations division collaborated with Civic Plus to redesign the Experience website over the last few months. The new website officially launched last Thursday.
Like any good makeover, the heart and soul of the website stayed the same. The experience, however, has been enhanced. The new design makes it easier for the end-user to navigate the site. Community Relations staff worked diligently to clean up content, rethink the site to improve performance, and update graphics.
The new design also allows for a more user-friendly mobile version of the site. As nearly 60% of the traffic to the site comes from a mobile device, it was imperative to improve the mobile user experience. Our mission at the Community Services Department is to create world-class experiences– and that includes making your online experience world-class as well.
The Experience Website is your one-stop-shop for everything Parks, Recreation, Senior Services, Champions Club, Legends Hall, Community Events, Public Art, and more! Stay on top of family programming, Bob Jones Nature Center activities, and upcoming member appreciation events. Plan your next life celebration and sign up for Champions Club. If you haven’t had the chance to check it out yet, take a look!
What better way to enjoy the great outdoors than to go for a hike at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve.
It’s a great place for nature lovers to unplug and take in the environment while getting in a good work out.
The park has three different trails, the Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail, the Bluebird Trail and the Grapevine Lake Trail which can be accessed from the Bluebird Trail.
Are you a first-time hiker? No worries! BJNCP offers fun programs, activities and classes for those who would like to learn more.
On November 14, BJNCP is offering a class for young hikers as part of the Bowmen Day Hike Series. This introductory course will cover eco-responsible hiking traditions such as “leave no trace,” trail etiquette, safety measures and other important outdoor skills.
If you prefer to hike solo or consider yourself an expert, the Bluebird Trail is great place to start. The trail features interpretive and interactive signage with information about birds and other local wildlife so you can have fun and learn something new while you’re getting in your steps. So, grab a bottle of water, strap up your boots and head out to BJNCP for a hike!
A downloadable trail map can be found on our website.
For more information about programs and courses at the BJNCP, visit www.ExperienceSouthlake.com.
Fall is a “treemendous” time in Southlake, and the City is giving away five trees in a special contest to celebrate.
To play, you’ve got to get outside! We’ve got twelve trees that we want you to find in our beautiful parks. You’ll know them by the signs that we’ve placed in front of them. There is a story behind each tree, and we will tell their stories over the next several weeks on the City of Southlake Facebook page and the Experience Southlake Facebook page.
To be eligible for our Treemendous Scavenger Hunt, all you have to do is find the specified tree in our parks, take a selfie in front of the tree, and email it to talktous@cityofsouthlake.com with the subject line “tree scavenger hunt.” In your email, be sure to include your name, address, and telephone information (entrees are limited to Southlake residents). Due to email size limitations, please send each tree selfie entry in a separate email. Each selfie submitted counts as one entry, and only one submission is permitted per person, per featured tree.
The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. October 26. All eligible entries will be part of a random drawing with winners announced on Friday, October 30. Look for the winners’ names on the City and Experience Southlake Facebook pages, My Southlake News, and ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com/Treemendous. The trees will be delivered to the winners on Friday, November 6, Texas Arbor Day.
Full contest rules can be found on the contest website, and all guidelines must be met to be eligible to win.
Good Luck! The complete tree list is below. We’ll see you at the parks!
