Friday, March 29, 2024

Celebrating the Holiday Season with Community Services

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!

 

Athletic Fields Level Up with New Turf

Playing softball, soccer and baseball will look different for Southlake athletes in 2024. The Community Services and Public Works Departments are undertaking a project to install artificial turf on 11 playing fields between two parks, Bicentennial and Bob Jones.

Bicentennial and Bob Jones parks both serve as cornerstones of this community. They are the weekend home to thousands of young Southlake athletes who spend time playing baseball, soccer, and softball. The turf updates to the fields add to the appeal of our award-winning parks, as our athletes will be competing on the same turf system used at the Liverpool FC of the English Premier League.

The project scope includes four baseball fields at Bicentennial Park, four softball fields at Bob Jones Park, and three multipurpose fields also at Bob Jones Park. In addition to the new playing surfaces, several fields will receive new fencing and even some new dugouts. Weather permitting, the project is estimated to reach completion in spring 2024.

“We’re so excited to be able to offer these fields to our community,” said Community Services Director David Miller. “The new playing surfaces will be awesome to look at, a great asset to the parks, and will better accommodate the needs of our community.”

Recognizing the opportunity to enhance playing and training capabilities at our parks, City Council approved this major turf project during their Oct. 17, 2023, meeting. GeoSurfaces, Inc, who previously installed turf in the playground area of Bicentennial park earlier in 2023, will be the contractor for the $11.6 million project. Funds for the project are allocated from the Southlake Parks Development Corporation (SPDC) Capital Improvement Program.

This project was made a priority in the 2035 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan. The plan was formally adopted in 2021, but during the City Council Summer Work Session of 2023, City Council reprioritized replacing the grass in our most popular parks.

The addition of artificial turf brings many advantages. Not only will they have less maintenance needs throughout the year, but they will maximize field use and increase the flexibility of the space. Turf fields are well-drained, making them available for play almost year-round. This means less chances of rainouts for our athletic association partners: Dragon Youth Baseball, Southlake Girls Softball Association and Grapevine-Southlake Soccer Association. Another benefit of turf fields will be the water conservation that will result no longer having to irrigate the fields.

“We can’t wait to see our athletic association partners taking full advantage of the fields once the project is complete,” said Miller. “We’re really looking forward to the kids enjoying the updated spaces.”

Once completed, these fully customized fields will become part of the list of world-class amenities which make Southlake parks stand out in the region. To learn more about the project visit ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com.

Community Services Department Wins the TRAPS North Region Excellence in Maintenance Award

The Community Services Department recently learned that it is the recipient of the 2022 Texas Recreation And Parks Society (TRAPS) North Region’s Excellence in Maintenance (Class II) Award!

The Department submitted its recently created Marq Asset Replacement Plan for consideration and is delighted to achieve this recognition from our peers. Let’s learn some more about our newly award-winning Marq Asset Replacement Plan!

With over 107,000 square feet of fitness, aquatics, social, and community spaces, The Marq represents one of the City’s most significant capital investments. In the last year, a cross-departmental team of City staff worked tirelessly to create a comprehensive Asset Replacement Plan for The Marq to proactively strategize critical maintenance and future replacement of every major asset in the building. This collaborative effort resulted in a comprehensive 20-year asset strategy for The Marq Southlake.

Creating the plan was a lengthy and collaborative process between Community Services, Finance, and the City Manager’s Office. Conducting careful research was crucial to creating an operationally and financially viable plan. Staff knew they needed a solid methodology for a fiscally responsible plan.

The plan’s goals were clear: build out a 20-year plan (through the year 2039) that creates a replacement schedule that all staff can adhere to. The plan accounts for future inflation, cost escalation, and labor costs. To be prepared for the worst, the plan incorporated the highest-cost options for the earliest replacement year for each asset to ensure enough funding is set aside annually. To determine accurate replacement years for the plan, staff relied on vendor recommendations, known industry standards, and best practices used by other cities.

After spending most of 2022 working on this project, The Marq Southlake Asset Replacement Plan was complete! A truly comprehensive asset maintenance strategy, the Asset Replacement Plan consists of several unique facility Asset Categories:

  • Aquatics: Pumproom, Spray Walls, Slides
  • A/V: Champions Club, Legends Hall, Aria Amphitheater
  • Flooring: Outdoor Turf Fields, carpet, wood, vinyl, fitness floor
  • Fitness Equipment
  • Furniture and Fixtures: Front Facing, Offices, Blinds, Air Walls
  • Roof
  • HVAC
  • Security Cameras

The Marq Asset Replacement Plan took an exhaustive approach far beyond large-scale investments, like fitness equipment, to include all assets, such as paint and flooring.

The Marq Asset Replacement Plan embodies a year-long process of research, financial know-how, and cross-departmental collaboration. Building solid partnerships with vendors and allowing Community Services staff to take ownership of their business areas was also a crucial step to turning this plan from an idea to improve our financial readiness to a reality.

According to the awards letter, our “nomination stood out above the rest to exemplify commitment and dedication in the field of parks and recreation. We are honored to present this award to you and for your commitment to excellence in all that you do in your daily pursuits.”

The Department will publicly accept this award at the TRAPS North Region Conference in Irving on Thursday, November 3.

Congratulations to everyone who worked on the Marq Asset Replacement Plan for being recognized for your commitment to excellence!

Select Outdoor Park Facilities to Re-Open with Limited Use

As a result of today’s announcements by Governor Abbott, the following outdoor park facilities and amenities will re-open with limited use on May 1, 2020.

  • Dog Park
  • Tennis and Pickleball Courts at Bicentennial Park (no more than 4 participants per court)
  • Batting Cages at Bicentennial and Bob Jones Parks
  • Restrooms
  • Pavilions
  • Picnic Tables
  • Benches

With the re-opening of these park facilities and amenities, the Community Services department has adopted enhanced sanitizing practices. In addition to daily cleaning, bathrooms will be deeply sanitized once a week and wall-mounted hand sanitizer stations have been added.

We continue to encourage you to make the best possible decisions for yourself and your family by following expert guidance and advice, reducing the risk of being infected or infecting others, and staying up-to-date about the latest information. With that in mind here are some tips from the CDC and the National Parks and Recreation Association about using our facilities during this time.

DO

  • Visit parks that are close to your home
  • Prepare before you visit
  • Maximize physical distance from others and follow CDC guidelines
  • Adhere to all facility-specific guidelines

DON’T

  • Visit parks if you are sick or were recently exposed to COVID-19
  • Visit crowded parks
  • Participate in organized activities or sports that involve contact with other participants
  • Gather in groups of 10 or more people

covid19 urban park tips

The COVID-19 situation is frequently changing. The City of Southlake is committed to working with our residents and businesses as this unprecedented situation unfolds. We are grateful for the support of the community and work every day to continue to earn that trust.

For the latest City updates visit www.ProtectSouthlake.com

Join the Southlake Community Services Team!

Southlake Community Services is looking for individuals with a passion for recreation, fitness and outstanding customer service to join our world-class team.

With Champions Club at The Marq scheduled to open later this year, the Community Services Department is expanding! We are searching for certified instructors, team leads and staff to help us deliver the wide range of programs, classes and services we will be offering at Southlake’s new premier recreational facility.

If you’re interested, please contact one of our division supervisors or call Southlake Community Services at (817) 748-8019. Our job board is updated every Friday, so be sure to check back regularly to see our current open positions. We look toward to hearing from you!

ATHLETICS & RECREATION

Southlake Recreation offers a wide array of programs and activities for all ages. From youth and adult athletics to education, fitness and the arts, we’re always searching for new ways to address the needs and interests of our community.

Athletics & Recreation Positions

If you are interested in one of our Athletics & Recreation contract positions, please contact our Athletics Supervisor Derrick Sanders at dsanders@ci.southlake.tx.us.

AQUATICS

Champions Club’s state-of-the-art aquatics facility is the perfect place for families to get their splash on! You’ll find multiple water slides, an open swim area, lap lanes, a not-so-lazy river and a zero-depth entry for the Lil’ Champs of the group.

Aquatics Positions

  • Contract Instructors for Youth & Adult:
    • Scuba
    • Snorkel
    • Kayak

If you are interested in one of our Aquatics contract positions, please contact our Aquatics Supervisor Jennifer Blackstock at jblackstock@ci.southlake.tx.us.

FITNESS & PERFORMANCE

The Fitness Center at Champions Club features the latest in fitness equipment and technology. From our decked-out weight area and indoor/outdoor turf fields to our private and group fitness studios, we have everything our members need to reach their fitness goals.

Fitness & Performance Positions

  • Personal Trainers

If you are interested in one of our Fitness & Performance contract positions, please contact our Fitness & Performance Supervisor Andy Cook at acook@ci.southlake.tx.us.

Guest Services

One of the hallmarks of Champions Club at The Marq is a commitment to exceeding our guests’ expectations by delivering memorable experiences and world-class customer service. Members of our Guest Services team embody the core values that set Southlake apart: integrity, innovation, accountability, teamwork and a commitment to excellence. If you can’t help but go the extra mile to make a guest feel at home, we want you on our team!

Guest Services Positions

National Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation

Southlake Mayor Laura Hill presented to the Community Services Department the “National Parks and Recreation Month Proclamation” on Wednesday, June 27.

The City of Southlake recognizes parks and recreation programs and
facilities are an integral part of communities across the United
States, and in particular, their value to the City of Southlake; and,

Whereas, the parks and recreation programs and activities are vitally important to
establishing and maintaining the quality of life in Southlake, ensuring the health of
citizens, and contributes to the economic and environmental well-being of Southlake and
the region; and,

Whereas, the City of Southlake offers a variety of parks and recreation opportunities
designed for all ages and interests, including popular recreation or athletic programs,
special community events, senior activities, nature exploration, tennis and aquatic
programs, arts and cultural activities and volunteer opportunities; and,

Whereas, the City of Southlake Community Services Department desires to enhance the
quality of life for all Southlake residents by providing exceptional recreational, cultural
and educational opportunities through its parks and recreation programs; now,

Therefore, I, Mayor Laura Hill, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim July,
2018, as National Parks and Recreation Month
and encourage all citizens to “A Lifetime of Discovery” during July, and to express our
sincere appreciation for the many Southlake parks and recreation programs, and the City
of Southlake parks and recreation staff for their dedicated service.

Breakfast With Santa Almost Full. Register Today!

Are your kids unsure if Santa got their letter? What better way for them to check than to ask him in person!

Santa will be visiting The Marq Southlake for a special breakfast on Saturday, December 3, 2016. The 10:00 AM Session is already sold out! Register quickly for the 8:00 AM Session. The cost is $12.00 per person.

Families will enjoy a delicious breakfast, participants will make holiday crafts and receive a complimentary photo sitting on Santa’s lap. Parents don’t forget to bring your cameras and remind the children to bring their wish list.

Pre-registration is required for this event; you can register for Breakfast with Santa online or in person at The Marq Southlake, 285 Shady Oaks Drive. Children must be registered with at least one adult and all individuals attending the event, including all adults, must be registered. Click here for more information or please contact (817) 748-8900. Be sure to register early as Breakfast with Santa WILL sell out!

LiveFit Southlake Bringing Awareness to Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

With September being Childhood Obesity Awareness Month (COAM), LiveFit Southlake wants to spotlight the kiddos and shed light on an increasingly important matter that hits close to home for many.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides an opportunity for children and parents to learn about ways to prevent and address this serious health concern.

In order to promote health and wellness LiveFit is offering free kid’s fitness classes, a free scavenger hunt with prizes, “What’s Causing the Weight Gain?,” a lecture by Elizabeth Cox, MD., about obesity and also highlighting some of the city’s best programming. So get out, be active and join LiveFit Southlake as celebrate the month of September.

You can register your child for these FREE programs online or at the Community Services office located at 1400 Main St, Suite 210.

Please contact (817) 748 – 8019 for more information.

Southlake Luau at Southlake Saturday Nite- May 18

Join the City of Southlake as we celebrate the end of the year Hawaiian-style at the “Southlake Luau” Southlake Saturday Nite! 4th through 6th graders, come dressed in your leis, hula skirts and summer attire on Saturday, May 18th from 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. at Durham Intermediate School.

Compete against your friends on various inflatables or at 4-on-4 basketball. There will be a live DJ, dancing, entertainment and various contests. Concession items (everything under $2.00) will be sold and T-shirts will also be available to purchase for $10.00 each. To ensure a safe environment, there will be a uniformed DPS officer on site.

Cost is $8.00 and pre-registration is required. On site registration will now be taken! Space is limited so try to register early online or in person at the Community Services office located at 1400 Main St, Suite 210. For more information, please call (817) 748-8019.