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!
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but denim is a love that never fades!
Valentine’s Day arrived early in Southlake as families celebrated love and friendship at the annual Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, February 13 at Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake. Crafts, cookie decorating, and dancing ensured that a dazzling time was had by all as Southlake’s finest arrived decked out in denim and diamonds!
While the beloved annual event looked a little different this year, Southlake Community Services employees were determined to put on a fun and safe celebration.
Masks were worn, tables were reserved for individual households, and guests rotated between fun craft activities and dancing to ensure safe social distancing. Two identical dance sessions were held during the night to allow more families to celebrate love responsibly.
“The Sweetheart Dance went very well this year!” said Programs Coordinator, Gretchen Morgan. “We had some very positive reviews from our attendees this year including loving our creative layout and appreciating that food was brought to them. While we were concerned about the weather, we had a large turnout, and it was rewarding to see the event come to fruition. I want to give special thanks to our sponsors: Chick-fil-A, Ethan Allen, and CommunityMed Family Urgent Care! I am also proud of the team that made this event possible. From setting up the decorations, taking guests to their tables, to managing volunteers and getting the party started on the dancefloor, this event would not have been possible without the hard work and support of our incredible staff and volunteers.”
Safe and memorable family programming like the Sweetheart Dance is just one example of how the Southlake Community Services department enriches the quality of life for Southlake residents. Delivering remarkable experiences to our residents is simply the Southlake Way!
Stay on top of all Family Programs!
Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake is making a name for itself as the premier North Texas wedding destination. True to its world-class promise, Legends Hall recently received several top honors.
In January, Society Life magazine selected Legends Hall as the Number One Wedding and Events Venue in North East Tarrant County. This is a monumental accomplishment for Legends Hall as it vied against numerous local private and non-profit competitors. This recognition would not have been possible without the support of residents who nominated and voted for Legends Hall in a web-based survey hosted by Society Life Magazine.
When asked why she chose Legends Hall, one local bride raved:
“We chose Legends Hall for a few reasons. One HUGE benefit was the option to choose our caterer and alcohol services. This allowed us to save money and have our favorite restaurants cater our wedding. We also loved the versatility of the space, such as the option to do an outdoor or indoor ceremony, cocktail hour either in the hallway or outdoors, a bar area to keep the drink lines short, and a huge space for the actual hall. We were able to have a large wedding with a large dance floor without going above our budget!”
- Alyza Sunny, Legends Hall Bride
The honors don’t stop there! Brides of North Texas magazine recently revealed their new Spring/Summer Edition which featured an October Legends Hall Wedding. Long-time Southlake residents, the Bond family chose Legends Hall because they knew it was the perfect destination to celebrate this joyous occasion.
“The Marq was extremely helpful and communicative during the uncertain months of the pandemic leading up to our wedding. They walked us through several options and accommodations, allowing us to have our wedding the way we always envisioned, and in a safe way for our guests. Their kindness and professionalism contributed to a stress-free and fun planning process, as well as an incredible wedding weekend!”
- Jessica Bond, Southlake Resident and Legends Hall Bride
Their beautiful wedding is highlighted in this season’s magazine through the end of May.
If you’re engaged and looking for a world-class venue, tour Legends Hall during their Sip & See event on Sunday, March 7th. Enjoy light bites and drinks as you get all your planning questions answered by Legends Hall Event Specialists. Take advantage of 10% off all 2021 packages if you book now through March 31st!
Be a part of something great. Experience how grand your wedding can be at Legends Hall!
The Southlake Senior Activity Center may be quieter than usual lately due to COVID-19 restrictions, but that hasn’t stopped senior citizens from getting involved with the community. The Senior Center recently collaborated with the Southlake Public Safety team to produce an entertaining and educational “Slam the Scam” video.
Senior Center and DPS staff members worked together to bring attention to the seriousness of phone scams in observation of National Safer Internet Day. The senior population is increasingly targeted by phone scammers during tax time, and the tactics are getting harder to catch. You can watch the video on the SLK DPS Facebook page and in the Senior Center’s weekly E-blast to learn more about spotting phone scammers.
Here are some quick tips to help you and your loved ones fight phone fraud:
Be on the lookout for more cyber security tips in the following weeks as the Senior Center is also collaborating with the City’s IT department to provide “what you need to know” cyber security handouts.
Learn more about the Southlake Senior Activity Center here.
The holiday season officially kicks off at The Marq Southlake when Santa comes to visit with your family the week of December 5-12, 2020.
Mr. Claus himself wouldn’t miss making a special trip to Southlake to hear Christmas wishes and to enjoy breakfast with your family. Southlake Parks and Recreation's annual Breakfast with Santa will continue holiday traditions with a full breakfast, crafts, and printed photo opportunity. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be sure to maintain their distance for the photoshoot, but don’t forget your wish list for Santa, and parents, bring your cameras!
Families with children over 10 years old are encouraged to wear masks except while seated and eating and drinking. Breakfast will still be as scrumptious as always but will be individually boxed and served to your table directly! Parents must register with children. Children under the age of two are free and do not need to register.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020
AT LEGENDS HALL AT THE MARQ SOUTHLAKE
Session 1
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Session 2
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Resident Fee: $14 per person
Non-Resident Fee: $18 per person
(Children under 2 are free.)
Register here.
Can’t stay for an entire breakfast? Is your family only looking for your annual Santa photo? Santa will stay in Legends Hall December 7-12 for pre-registered times to take photos with your family and to hear Christmas wishes. Mrs. Claus and her jolly elves will also be in attendance to chat and spread Christmas cheer. Masks are required for everyone age 10 and up while in line, but masks may be removed during the photo. Santa and his crew will maintain a safe distance of six feet. Families will receive 3 digital images within 24 hours via email. Tickets are per family: $25 for Southlake residents and $30 for non-residents. No taxes or additional fees.
Register today to ensure your spot, as only 20 families per hour will be permitted.
PHOTOS WITH SANTA
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020
AT LEGENDS HALL AT THE MARQ SOUTHLAKE
December 7-11
3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
December 12
8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Resident Fee: $25 per family unit
Non-Resident Fee: $30 per family unit
Register here.
Looking for more holiday cheer events? Check out the 20 days of Holiday Cheer at VisitSouthlakeTexas.com
This year may look slightly different due to our new health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 but Santa and Mrs. Claus will be sure not to disappoint. Please see our website at ExperienceSouthlakeTexas.com/Programs for more information, or you may contact us at 817-748-8900.
Your Southlake Parks and Recreation team is excited to announce the opening of summer program registration on Tuesday, May 26!
This summer's activities will look a little different from years past as we implement state health standards and safety protocols. Class sizes will be limited to help us keep you and your family safe. But rest assured, there will be no shortage of fun!
Here are some of the activities that are available:
Visit ExperienceSouthlake.com to view and register for all available summer programs.
UPDATE MARCH 12, 2020: Celebrate Southlake has been postponed. Read more here.
Join us March 20-22 for a weekend of celebrating our diversity at The Marq Southlake!
Celebrate Southlake is a community event designed to bring the people of Southlake together in celebration of our cultural diversity through food, music, performances, entertainment, and engaging conversations. This year's event will be expanded into a full weekend of family activities, starting with a community dinner on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. Sit side-by-side with your neighbors, taste a variety of world cuisines, and feast on engaging conversation.
Return to the Aria on Saturday from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. to "travel the world" by visiting cultural booths and collecting stamps in your Celebrate Southlake passport. Your passport will make the perfect keepsake to commemorate the festival and all your discoveries. You'll also take in performances, entertainment, music, crafts and more as you explore.
The weekend will wrap up with a family-friendly trivia day at Champions Club on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Teams of 6 will compete to answer questions and prove their knowledge of local and world history and culture. Prizes will be awarded each round, with the last team standing taking home the grand prize.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Visit our website for more info.
February is Black History Month! Join us at the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve on Saturday, February 15 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. to honor the legendary Bob Jones. Guest speakers will discuss his legacy and ties to the Southlake community.
Jones was a former slave, husband and father who became a prosperous landowner and rancher in the Roanoke-Southlake area.
He and his brother purchased 60 acres of land now known as Roanoke from their father in the early 1860s. He later relocated to Denton Creek where he started a cattle and farming operation.
Between the late 1860s and early 1870s, Jones was one of the largest landowners in the area, owning over 1,000-2,000 acres on the Tarrant-Denton County line. Some of that land is located under Lake Grapevine.
By 1875, Jones married Almeady Chisum and they had 10 children together. Due to ‘Jim Crow’ laws, his children could not attend schools with white children.
In the 1920s, Tarrant County created districts for “colored” schools. Jones donated an acre of his own land and built Walnut Grove School. The school later closed around 1951 because the seven students enrolled eventually had to attend junior and senior high schools, which were located in Fort Worth.
Jones was held in high esteem by both whites and blacks throughout the area. His legacy will always be remembered throughout Southlake and Tarrant County.
The Legacy of Bob Jones event is FREE, but registration is required, please register online here.
Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve is a fantastic place for outdoor enthusiasts and beginners alike! This spring, celebrate the wonders of nature while spending quality time with your family at our Family Fun Days. Learn something new, enjoy family time, and embrace nature!
February 15, 9:00 - 11:00am
Fee: FREE, registration required
Do you dream of becoming an avid camper, but don’t know how to start? This fun and interactive class will jumpstart you and your family’s camping adventures! Learn about great camping opportunities all over Texas (the Bob Jones Nature Center Spring Family Campout, just to mention one!), how to pitch a tent, build a fire, general trail and outdoor safety, and much more!
Register here.
March 28, 7:30 - 9:30pm
Fee: Resident: $3, Non-Resident: $5
Who comes out to play at Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve after dark? Bring the entire family for a fun and exciting night hike, star gazing, s’mores, and more!
Register here.
April 25, 9:00 - 11:00am
Fee: FREE, registration required
To celebrate Earth Day 2020 we are participating in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge--a global project to study the plants and animals that live right in your backyard. Participation is easy, all you have to do is take pictures of the plants and animals we see on our hike and share them to the iNaturalist app. We want to know more about the plants and animals who call BJNCP home, and we need your help!
Register here.
May 16, 9:00 - 11:00am
Fee: Resident: $3, Non-Resident: $5
Spending time outside is not only refreshing, but it’s actually good for you! Join us for a morning of yoga and hiking to celebrate the wonders of nature.
Register here.
Learn more about Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve here.
Update: This event has been canceled.
Valentine's Day is almost here, and we've planned a fun morning for you and your little one to create sweet memories together!
Join us at Champions Club as we make Valentine's Day crafts, and celebrate the season of love. We’ll also have snacks and storytime. Enjoy a special morning with your preschooler at this parent/child event.
Date: Friday, February 14, 2020
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Champions Club at The Marq Southlake
Ages: 3-5
