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!
The Programs Team wrapped up its annual Club Metro Camp earlier in August, which is a part of the Adapted Recreation program named Club Metro. For those unfamiliar, Club Metro is designed to provide enriching experiences for adults and teenagers with special needs. Club Metro Camp consists of three one-week sessions in June, July, and August.
Club Metro Camp offers diverse environments where participants can socialize and explore new experiences alongside their friends. The camp fosters an atmosphere of acceptance and support, ensuring that every individual has the tools they need to engage in activities tailored to their abilities. With a focus on inclusivity and personal growth, Club Metro Camp provides a welcoming space for everyone. The activities these Campers participated in were games, crafts, sports, and STEM activities.
One of the Camp’s highlights is its field trips, which offer campers opportunities for learning and enjoyment. The field trips are designed to provide educational experiences that go beyond the Camp. For example, at the Best Maid Pickle Emporium, campers learned more about pickle-making and sampled a variety of pickle flavors ranging from sweet to spicy. This field trip was an educational adventure everyone enjoyed.
Some other field trips the campers took part in were the Frontiers of Flight Museum, Evo, Tornado Terry’s, Medieval Times, Meow Wolf, Sea Life Aquarium, the Southlake Library, and more.
Out of these exciting educational field trips, there were a few fan favorites. Kailey Elrod said, “I liked the library because I read Harry Potter and the Dork Diaries.” Another camper, Greg Podjan, mentioned: “The flight museum was really cool because of all the planes.”
Overall, the camp was a success this past summer, and Club Metro Camp 2025 planning is well underway for some new fun and exciting activities! We can’t wait to see you next year!
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.
Today, we highlight more exciting leadership changes that the Community Services Department has undergone lately. The beginning of Fiscal Year 24 saw the internal promotion of three incredible home-grown talents to three key positions within the Department.
Amy Bennett Promotes to Champions Club Operations Manager
In mid-October, Amy Bennett was promoted to Champions Club Operations Manager. Amy's journey with Community Services spans over thirteen years, during which she has demonstrated unwavering dedication and a passion for excellence. Beginning from the ground up, Amy has steadily ascended through the ranks in the Community Services Department, showcasing her versatility in overseeing athletics, programs, camps, Club Metro, events, and more.
Amy's leadership as the Assistant Recreation manager was pivotal in Champions Club's successful launch and ongoing success. Venturing outside her comfort zone, she took charge of key revenue growth areas, steering the membership and fitness programs to unprecedented heights. Amy's commitment to delivering world-class customer service is instrumental in fostering a thriving community within Champions Club.
Jennifer Blackstock Becomes New Recreation Programs Manager
Following a rigorous selection process that attracted numerous highly qualified candidates, Jennifer Blackstock was promoted to Recreation Programs Manager at the end of last year. Jennifer's journey with the city began in 2018, and her strong leadership qualities have been evident since day one. Her tenacity and unwavering dedication to strong planning, staff training, and unparalleled pool safety and quality made her an outstanding Aquatics Supervisor. She will bring those qualities into her new role overseeing Southlake’s world-class recreation programs.
This promotion is a testament to her dedication, skills, and the positive impact she has made within the Community Services Department. We can’t wait to see what amazing things her team will accomplish under her leadership.
Zack Miller Steps Up as New Aquatics Supervisor
Zack Miller recently took over the Aquatics Supervisor position. Starting in a part-time role at the Marq, Zack's journey exemplifies the City of Southlake's commitment to fostering talent from within. Zack’s willingness to get involved, help solve departmental-wide problems, and commitment to world-class customer service helped him transition from a part-time Champions Club front desk employee to the full-time Aquatics Center Coordinator.
His technical knowledge and outstanding skills in aquatics have been a valuable asset, setting him up for success as he steps into the Aquatics Supervisor role.
Congratulations Amy Bennett, Jennifer Blackstock, and Zack Miller on your well-deserved promotions. These advancements signify the city's dedication to promoting learning and growth!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Many businesses are winding down for the holidays, but the Community Services Department is working hard to provide world-class holiday programming to residents of all ages.
Breakfast with Santa may have already passed, but there’s still a lot of holiday cheer to look forward to. We’re wrapping up the year with a bang, and we can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with all our residents. Here’s a quick overview of all the incredible holiday programs this month.
Club Metro Winter Palooza
Club Metro had a great year, and it’s all lead up to the Winter Palooza. Our participants will celebrate the holidays at Legends Hall on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 PM. Get ready to dance your socks off, eat delicious food, take photos with friends, and show off your ugliest holiday sweater! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the celebration.
Seniors Holiday Party and Gift Exchange
There’s no merrier place than the Southlake Senior Activity Center. Bring your holiday cheer as we celebrate another successful year with a light lunch and a fun white elephant gift exchange on Thursday, December 14 from 11:30-1:00 PM. Limited spots remain.
Holiday Break Camp Mania- Christmas Week
Southlake’s favorite day camp is back to provide world-class structured and free play to your kiddos over the winter holidays. This program begins on Tuesday, December 26, and ends on Friday, December 29. Structured activities take place between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Before and after care is provided free of charge from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. While this popular program is already sold out, we know it will be a week worth celebrating!
Holiday Break Camp Mania- New Year’s Week
Wring in the New Year with Holiday Break Camp Mania. There’s no better way to kick off the New Year before heading back to school than with Camp Mania! Enjoy all the fun activities planned by our awesome staff. This program will sell out fast!
We look forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday weeks with our incredible residents. Thanks for another year of creating life-long memories with us!
See you in 2024!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Many businesses are winding down for the holidays, but the Community Services Department is working hard to provide world-class holiday programming to residents of all ages.
Breakfast with Santa may have already passed, but there’s still a lot of holiday cheer to look forward to. We’re wrapping up the year with a bang, and we can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with all our residents. Here’s a quick overview of all the incredible holiday programs this month.
Club Metro Winter Palooza
Club Metro had a great year, and it’s all lead up to the Winter Palooza. Our participants will celebrate the holidays at Legends Hall on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 PM. Get ready to dance your socks off, eat delicious food, take photos with friends, and show off your ugliest holiday sweater! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the celebration.
Seniors Holiday Party and Gift Exchange
There’s no merrier place than the Southlake Senior Activity Center. Bring your holiday cheer as we celebrate another successful year with a light lunch and a fun white elephant gift exchange on Thursday, December 14 from 11:30-1:00 PM. Limited spots remain.
Holiday Break Camp Mania- Christmas Week
Southlake’s favorite day camp is back to provide world-class structured and free play to your kiddos over the winter holidays. This program begins on Tuesday, December 26, and ends on Friday, December 29. Structured activities take place between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Before and after care is provided free of charge from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. While this popular program is already sold out, we know it will be a week worth celebrating!
Holiday Break Camp Mania- New Year’s Week
Wring in the New Year with Holiday Break Camp Mania. There’s no better way to kick off the New Year before heading back to school than with Camp Mania! Enjoy all the fun activities planned by our awesome staff. This program will sell out fast!
We look forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday weeks with our incredible residents. Thanks for another year of creating life-long memories with us!
See you in 2024!
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Many businesses are winding down for the holidays, but the Community Services Department is working hard to provide world-class holiday programming to residents of all ages.
Breakfast with Santa may have already passed, but there’s still a lot of holiday cheer to look forward to. We’re wrapping up the year with a bang, and we can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with all our residents. Here’s a quick overview of all the incredible holiday programs this month.
Club Metro Winter Palooza
Club Metro had a great year, and it’s all lead up to the Winter Palooza. Our participants will celebrate the holidays at Legends Hall on Wednesday, December 13 at 6:00 PM. Get ready to dance your socks off, eat delicious food, take photos with friends, and show off your ugliest holiday sweater! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the celebration.
Seniors Holiday Party and Gift Exchange
There’s no merrier place than the Southlake Senior Activity Center. Bring your holiday cheer as we celebrate another successful year with a light lunch and a fun white elephant gift exchange on Thursday, December 14 from 11:30-1:00 PM. Limited spots remain.
Holiday Break Camp Mania- Christmas Week
Southlake’s favorite day camp is back to provide world-class structured and free play to your kiddos over the winter holidays. This program begins on Tuesday, December 26, and ends on Friday, December 29. Structured activities take place between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Before and after care is provided free of charge from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. While this popular program is already sold out, we know it will be a week worth celebrating!
Holiday Break Camp Mania- New Year’s Week
Wring in the New Year with Holiday Break Camp Mania. There’s no better way to kick off the New Year before heading back to school than with Camp Mania! Enjoy all the fun activities planned by our awesome staff. This program will sell out fast!
We look forward to celebrating the upcoming holiday weeks with our incredible residents. Thanks for another year of creating life-long memories with us!
See you in 2024!
E-Sports have found a home in Southlake, and the Ultimate Madden Showdown is the E-Sports Social event of the season!
Join us at the Legends Hall Ballroom on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 4:30-9:00 PM. Get ready to embark on an epic journey through the virtual gridiron with the most intense Madden tournament of the year! We're bringing you the *Ultimate Madden Showdown*, where champions are forged, legends are born, and bragging rights are earned. This isn't just a game; it's a battle for supremacy on the virtual football field.
Participants can compete on the platform of their choice (PS5 or Xbox) to face off against the best Madden players from around DFW. Compete for the ultimate bragging rights and enjoy free food and drinks with friends!
Not a Madden virtuoso? Spectators are welcome to join in the fun! Come to support and cheer on players and witness the epic plays and nail-biting moments that only Madden can deliver. Food will be available to all, and a standby list will be available for tournament hopefuls.
Don't miss out on the action! Join us for the Ultimate Madden Showdown and be part of the most electrifying Madden tournament of the year. It's time to make history, one touchdown at a time. Are you ready for the showdown of a lifetime? Grab your controller, and let's hit the virtual gridiron! Register today!
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!
