Friday, March 29, 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.

Embrace the Spirit of Oktoberfest Southlake 2023: A Jovial Celebration in Southlake Town Square

Get ready to don your lederhosen and raise your beer steins, because Oktoberfest Southlake 2023, hosted by the Southlake Chamber of Commerce, is just around the corner! On the weekend of October 13 to 15, the beautiful Southlake Town Square will transform into a lively hub of German culture, music, food, and of course, plenty of frothy beverages. Get ready to immerse yourself in the spirit of Oktoberfest and experience a weekend of unforgettable fun in the heart of Southlake, Texas.

One of the highlights of Oktoberfest Southlake is undoubtedly the mouthwatering German cuisine. Indulge in authentic German delicacies like bratwurst, pretzels, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and more. Savor the rich flavors and experience the true taste of Bavaria right in Southlake Town Square. Prepare to be swept away by the lively sounds of traditional German music and entertainment.

Oktoberfest Southlake features talented live bands performing upbeat, waltzes, polkas and folk songs that will have you dancing along. Submerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and let the music lift your spirits! Raise a glass and toast to the spirit of Oktoberfest with a wide selection of beers in Festival Hall. Be sure and stop in to hear from the head brewer for the German-inspired Altstadt Craft beer Craig Rowen.

Oktoberfest Southlake is a celebration for the whole family. Engage your children in the fun with activities designed specifically for them. From face painting and carnival rides to bounce houses and petting zoo, there’s something to keep the little ones entertained throughout the weekend. Create lasting memories as a family in the joyous atmosphere of Oktoberfest Southlake!

Get ready to participate in exciting contests and competitions that add an extra dose of excitement to Oktoberfest Southlake. Test your strength in the stein-holding competition or showcase your skills in the Ultimate Smash Bros video game competition on Sunday. Two of the most popular contests are the Wiener Dog races and costume contest! Be sure to register your wiener dog online at OktoberfestSouthlake.com or in person by 8:30 AM Saturday morning. Cheer on the competitors or join in the fun and experience the thrill of friendly competition.

Explore the charming vendor booths that line Southlake Town Square during Oktoberfest Southlake. Discover a wide range of unique products, including German-themed merchandise, arts and crafts, unique jewelry, and more. Support local artisans and find special treasures to commemorate your Oktoberfest experience.

Oktoberfest Southlake 2023 in the picturesque Southlake Town Square promises a weekend filled with German charm, delectable cuisine, lively music, and fun festivities. Embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest, raise your steins, and join the community in celebrating German culture right here in Texas. Go to www.OktoberfestSouthlake.com for additional details.

It’s not just the pickleball courts taking shape, so to is the new Southlake pickleball staff team.

Pickleball is all about community. It’s a sport for literally anyone, and it’s a great way to make new friends. We’re counting down the days for the new Southlake Pickleball Facility at Bicentennial Park to open, and we know you’re just as excited about it as we are.

As we move through construction, we are pleased to announce we’ve hired Eric Clay as the new Pickleball Manager and Sean Cornelius as the Pickleball Coordinator. They will officially join the Southlake team on September 5 and begin work immediately preparing to open the facility later this year.

When selecting the new team, it was important to find people who would not only fit in with our Community Services family but also had the knowledge and experience to help make the City’s world class pickleball facility a place where residents would experience world class service every time they step foot on the court. Well, we found them!

“I’m looking forward to helping share my passion for Pickleball with the Southlake family,” said Cornelius. “It’s such an amazing sport and what better place to help it grow than Southlake!”

But it wasn’t just a love of Pickleball that drew Eric and Sean to Southlake, it was also our reputation of excellence.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of an established tradition of excellence and an outstanding reputation for supporting active and healthy lifestyles within the community,” noted Clay. “I feel especially fortunate to be coming into a community that has put so much care into its recreation facilities, and that has been intentional about continuing to develop opportunities for its citizens and visitors to experience a wonderful community in Southlake.”

Want to know more about the team? Here you go.

Eric Clay has built his career around Pickleball and Tennis. He’s served both sports as a facilitator of programming and community growth for many years.

“My passions for building community have brought Pickleball into focus and supporting that growth and development are a high priority for me,” says Clay. “I love that I’m able to be a part of a team that created an environment that supports health and wellness efforts. Ultimately serving to support another’s ability to balance the challenges of the daily ‘have too’s’ with the more fun ‘get to do’s.’ It’s all so very rewarding to me personally and professionally.”

Recent UT Tyler graduate, Sean Cornelius is not a stranger to pickleball. He’s been playing for about four years and with over two years of coaching and tournament experience.

“Once I picked up a paddle, I fell in love,” says Cornelius. “I have seen a tremendous amount of change in the sport in just a few years, and I really enjoy being able to contribute to that even in the smallest of ways.”

We’re thrilled to have Eric and Sean on the team and look forward to formally introducing them to the Southlake Community once the new facility opens. You can stay up to date with all things Southlake Pickleball by visiting our website, ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com. We’ll see you on the courts!

City of Southlake Athletics Wins the Gold Member City Award

It’s been a month full of good news for the Community Services Department!

The Athletics team recently won this year’s Gold Member City Award from the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF). The Gold Member City Award recognizes significant participation, support, and involvement with TAAF. Last year, the Athletics division registered 177 teams: 45 Volleyball, 112 Flag Football, and 20 Basketball teams!

The Texas Amateur Athletic Federation is a nonprofit organization that promotes, organizes, and conducts amateur athletics in the State of Texas. Their mission is to create and maintain in the State of Texas a permanent organization representative of amateur athletics and/or organizations devoted thereto; to establish and maintain the highest ideals of amateur sports in the State of Texas; promote the development of physical education and encourage the standardization of rules of all amateur athletics, games, and competitions.

Southlake is proud to be a member city. Thanks to this partnership, our teams can participate in regional and state tournaments hosted by TAAF. Moreover, our staff members receive access to training and continuous education to continue providing world-class experiences to Southlake athletes.

Here’s what our Athletics Team had to say about winning this award.

“It’s exciting to be recognized as a leader for youth sports in our area. To receive an award for our high levels of participation is a great reflection of our team and overall athletics program! We want to use sports to impact as many people as possible. It’s awesome to know we are making a difference in the lives of the people of this community, especially the kids!” Leigh Blake, Athletics Supervisor

Congratulations to Leigh and Chelsea for being recognized state-wide for their outstanding efforts in athletics. We are honored to receive this award and love providing world-class athletics opportunities to Southlake residents. We are proud to be a part of the award-winning Team Southlake.

Winter Basketball is Back!

It’s going to be nothing but net this winter as we gear up for another fantastic basketball season!

Basketball lovers, get ready to race down the court to register individual players and entire teams before the October 18 deadline! Here’s everything you need to know:

Individual Player Registration
Single players can register for one of 7 age-based brackets. The registration deadline is October 18, and the first practice is the week of November 29. The season goes from December 4-February 5, with no practices or games held from December 20-January 1. The League Tournament will be from February 7-12.

All games will take place on Saturdays, and League Tournaments will be played on weeknights. All players will be assigned to a team with uniforms provided!

Price:
$75.00 for Southlake Residents
$93.00 for Non-Residents

Team Registration
If you already have your perfect crew lined up, make sure to sign your team up by October 25! The first practice is the week of November 29. The season goes from December 4-February 5, and no practice or games will be held from December 20-January 1. The League Tournament will be from February 7-12.

All games will take place on Saturdays, with League Tournaments on weeknights. All teams must provide their own coach and light/dark jerseys!

Price:
$557.00 for Residents
$697.00 for Non-Residents

Be prepared to leave it all on the court! Register today!

The Bob Jones Nature Center Hosted the Third Annual Monarch Festival

Fall is here, and that means it’s time for one of nature’s most mesmerizing events: the monarch migration!

The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve celebrated this spectacular natural phenomenon at the Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival last Saturday! In Southlake, we are privileged to live along the Monarch’s migration path on their annual epic journey from Canada to Mexico. As good stewards of our natural environment and the monarch butterflies that lay their eggs in Southlake, it’s up to us to help make their journey a success. Staff at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve loved teaching the community about the importance of this majestic pollinator species. What better way to honor these beautiful insects than with a festival?

Participants marveled at this colorful natural spectacle as we released hundreds of Monarch Butterflies into the wild! Festivalgoers interacted with these insects first-hand and enjoyed multiple butterfly-themed goodies and activities.

This year the event was broken up into three release sessions to ensure an intimate and safe experience. Participants could sign up for a session at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, or 12:00 pm.

“The Monarch Butterfly Festival was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate monarchs and educate the community about them. The festival presented a fun way to spend family time exploring the Preserve, while also learning about how we can help monarchs and other wildlife right here in Southlake! This year, we released 450 monarchs. All our butterflies were tagged with Monarch Watch stickers to track their migration to Mexico. It was an absolute joy to host an event that is for guests and our wildlife,” Hannah Nyquist, Outdoor Experience Coordinator.

We loved celebrating the beginning of Fall and one of nature’s most phenomenal events with you at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve! Make sure to catch us at our upcoming Open House on Saturday, September 25!

 

Home-Grown Staff: From Volunteer to Camp Director

Summer Camp Mania is a Southlake staple and one of our most beloved recreation programs. Today, we celebrate one of the special Community Services Staff Members that make it all happen: Meet Emma Blight!

 

Emma is currently going into her junior year of college at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public and Non-Profit Administration. She is kind-hearted, selfless, and brings a smile to everyone around her. Emma’s story is just one example of our staff’s commitment to creating life-long memories for our residents.

 

Emma has been a crucial part of the Parks and Recreation team for six years. She initially made her mark as a Summer Camp Mania volunteer for two years in a row. During her first year, she was even honored with the Junior Volunteer of the Year award. Having enjoyed her volunteer experience so much, Emma took her commitment to the department to the next level by becoming a Camp Counselor. During her time with Camp Mania, Emma developed positive relationships, environments, and games for kids of various ages.

 

When the opportunity to become this year’s Camp Director became open, Emma knew she had to jump on it! Camp is only a few weeks in, but she has already exceeded expectations for the role! When your child comes home thrilled from a fun-filled day at Camp, make sure to thank Emma for her passion and dedication to Camp Mania.

 

Emma’s career within the Community Services Department is just one example of the career growth that’s possible when you have the right attitude. From volunteer to counselor to Camp Director, we are very excited to see what comes next for Emma’s future with our department.

 

“Working for the City of Southlake helped me find a job that I truly care about, as well as exemplified what it truly means to be a part of a team!”—Emma Blight, Camp Director.

 

We are happy to have Emma be a part of our team!

A Perfect Saturday in Southlake

Spring is in Southlake, and Saturday is the perfect day to enjoy the seasonal weather!

There’s no better time to get out and enjoy time outside than a weekend during Spring. The weather in Southlake has been beautiful lately, and this Saturday, April 10, should be another glorious day. If you’re still undecided about what to do this weekend, we have put together a schedule for the perfect Saturday in Bicentennial Park!

Rise and Shine

Starting the day with Latin moves and global beats is sure to set the mood for a festive day. Champions Club members, bring the whole family to the Aria Amphitheater at 10:00 am for a morning of Zumba fun and exercise! It’s bound to be a party with Zumba instructors Ann, Rosy, and Cristina, so be prepared to move to the rhythm!

Afternoon

Stick around The Marq for our Champions Club Member Bash from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Member Appreciation Week will close off with an afternoon of free food, fun games, bounce houses, fitness challenges, and exciting prizes! There will be something for everyone, so make sure to bring the entire family and let the games begin!

Late Afternoon

Enjoy some time in the afternoon sun by walking along the picturesque trails within Bicentennial Park. Pick up a tennis game, cool off in the splash pad, and explore the thrills of the zip line in the Playground. Check out the Log Cabin and brush up on your Southlake history. Don’t forget to take a picture in the Liberty Gardens!

There’s always something exciting to do at Bicentennial Park. Follow our schedule and add in your favorite activities for a perfect Saturday in Southlake’s premier park facility!

Going Mutts over Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park

There is no time like Springtime in North Texas: the weather is pleasant, your dog’s tail is wagging, and the great outdoors are beckoning!

If your pup is craving a fun day in the sun, look no further than Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park at Bob Jones Park. Bob Jones Park consists of almost 500 acres of primarily native Cross Timbers habitat. Apart from its multiple soccer fields, ample parking, playground, and six miles of scenic trails, Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park boasts 2.5 acres of canine fun! Who says the perfect playdate must include other humans?

A trip to Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park is sure to be a day you’ll never fur-get; however, we’re offering some tips to make sure your puppy outing is pawsome!

Tip #1: Walk your dog before going to the park

If your dog is smiling with his head out the window and his tail is wagging on your drive to the park, you can bet he is excited to play with friends. However, other dogs and owners may get scared if an overly energetic puppy dashes through the park. To blow off some steam, take your dog on a short walk before letting him in the park.

Tip #2: Ensure your dog is well trained

Dog parks are ideal places for dogs to socialize, exercise, and exhaust their energy, but an untrained dog can easily turn a day at the park sour. Before letting your pup off the leash, it is essential to have mastered basic training commands such as sit, stay, come, and leave it. Additionally, your dog must be comfortable socializing with other dogs calmly and without getting aggressive or scared.

Tip #3: Pay attention to your friend

The atmosphere at a dog park can be very stimulating. Keep a close eye on your pup at all times to ensure he is having fun, playing nice, and not getting into fights. A trip to the dog park is not the time to catch up with your news feed. So put your phone away and pay close attention to body language as well! Your dog might feel overwhelmed or could be intimidating other pups. Don’t forget to keep your dog hydrated and pick up after him with one of our available Dog Stations!

The dog park is a fun space for your furry friend to play and meet other pups! Make your stay at Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park a positive one with these tips! Adhering to this advice will ensure your best friend is the most pupular pooch in the park!