Friday, March 29, 2024

Home-Grown Staff: Celebrating Exceptional Talent with Key Staff Promotions

There’s nothing we love more than sharing our success stories. 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 Southlake Pickleball Complex Opens It’s Doors

After months of eager anticipation, the Southlake Pickleball Complex has officially swung open its doors, ready for its inaugural serve.

On Tuesday, February 20, city officials came together to mark a historic moment at Bicentennial Park—the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Southlake’s much-awaited Pickleball Complex! The nation’s fastest-growing sport has found its home in Southlake, and we are beyond thrilled!

The ribbon-cutting event was held with typical Southlake flair, with City Council leaders, the Southlake Parks Development Corporation, and the Park and Recreation Board assembling to unveil this exciting addition to the community. Mayor John Huffman, City Council Member and SPDC President Randy Williamson, and Park and Recreation Board Chair Magdalena Battles highlighted the significance of this achievement and expressed gratitude to the many individuals who contributed to making this project a reality.

The night concluded with the winners of the Citizen Survey contest having the privilege of being the first residents on the courts. These lucky individuals were the inaugural guests to experience the world-class facility, which boasts eight Pickleball courts, a stunning Championship Court, inviting gathering spaces, and ample shade structures. It was a fantastic event, marking the official launch of this exciting new facility.

A special thank you goes out to the dedicated group of individuals who served on the pickleball task force led by SPDC president and City Council Member Randy Williamson, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Talley, and Former Park and Recreation Board Chair Frances Scharli. This team worked for well over a year with City staff engaging with stakeholders while helping to develop an operations plan and pricing structure that prioritized resident use while also providing excellent opportunities for access by all.

The City of Southlake Pickleball staff has also put in tireless effort over the past few months, implementing best practices, crafting policies, conducting training exercises, and guiding our first guests through the state-of-the-art facility. This dedicated team is now eager to welcome the entire community to the Southlake Pickleball Complex.

The Southlake Pickleball Complex is now open! Head to our website for details on membership, operating hours, open play, court reservations, and more!

Southlake’s Community Services Department Triumphs at DFW Directors Association Awards, Securing Three Prestigious Honors

The spotlight was firmly on the City of Southlake’s Community Services Department at the recent DFW Directors Association Awards Ceremony, where the team clinched three prestigious accolades.

The event, held at the state-of-the-art Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center, celebrated excellence in the Parks and Recreation profession, bringing together professionals from the dynamic DFW metroplex.

The Community Services Department’s commitment to excellence and the exemplary achievements of its world-class professionals were recognized across three distinct categories:

Parks Manager Mike Reasoner – Distinguished Professional Award: In his 20 years with the City of Southlake, Mike Reasoner has witnessed the parks system grow to over 1,100 acres and has managed several major park improvement projects. His attention to detail, exceptional customer service, and commitment to teamwork make him an outstanding Parks Manager and a valuable member of the Southlake team.

Community Relations Manager Vicky Schiber – Excellence in Mentoring Award: Vicky Schiber serves as the Community Relations Manager, and is a catalyst for professional development, empowering young professionals to grow in their field. This summer, Vicky mentored a part-time Recreation Specialist-turned-intern, helping him secure a coveted full-time position with another department in the City. Her dedication to teaching essential skills and fostering growth underscores her role as a mentor committed to the success of her team members.

Programs Staff Jonathan Weeks, Sara Farris, and Jason Ellison for Club Metro Summer Camp – Inclusion Award: Club Metro, Southlake’s premiere Adaptive Recreation Program, expanded into a summer camp for the first time this year. The sold-out run and perfect Net Promoter scores showcased the success of Club Metro Camp, held during the weeks of June 26-30 and July 31-August 4. The full-day camp featured activities, meals, and exciting outings, ensuring all participants’ needs were met. After this impactful first year, the staff eagerly anticipates hosting Club Metro Camp next summer.

The 2024 DFW Directors Association Awards Ceremony was a fun staff-bonding event, hosted at the impressive Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center. What made the victories even sweeter was the element of surprise, as award winners were kept in the dark about their nominations until the grand reveal.

“The City of Southlake congratulates all the award winners for their outstanding achievements and the phenomenal service they provide to our residents,” said David Miller, Director of the Community Services Department. “We take immense pride in our team’s commitment to excellence, and these awards are a testament to their hard work and dedication.”

As the Community Services Department continues to set benchmarks in the field, the City of Southlake looks forward to even greater accomplishments and contributions to the well-being and enrichment of the community.

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!

 

Introducing the Fresh Faces of Champions Club

The autumn season has brought a whirlwind of exciting changes to Champions Club, and we can’t wait to share the buzz with you. One of the most thrilling updates is the arrival of our new team members, each bringing their unique energy to elevate your experience.

First in line is Ryan Tompkins, our enthusiastic Fitness Supervisor. With a passion for motivating you towards your fitness goals, he’s here to make your workouts extraordinary. Ryan is very excited to join the Champions Club team. “The people (members, staff, co-workers, and supervisors are awesome! Everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome in joining the team!”

Here are a few fun tidbits about Ryan:

  • Ryan has 4 sons. The two oldest currently play football for the Air Force Academy. The last two are twins, Seniors in high school and both committed to the Air Force next year for football and wrestling.
  • Apart from normal strength and conditioning workouts, Ryan has spent years studying how the mind impacts overall performance, whether in sports, business, or life in general. He practices a variety of mindset training techniques for a few years.

But that’s not all—say hello to Hayde Miranda, our new Guest Services Supervisor! Hayde’s exceptional performance as the Champions Club Rentals Coordinator earned her this role, and she’s all about delivering world-class experiences.

Discover what Hayde has to say about her exciting new position. “It has been a pleasure working with the Southlake community and getting to know all our wonderful members. Southlake is an incredibly vibrant city, and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Community Services team. Our team delivers excellence and is wholeheartedly dedicated to providing world-class experiences!”

  • Hayde embraces new experiences and enjoys exploring new destinations.
  • You can find her researching the next exciting place to visit or the most reviewed restaurants in town.
  • She just welcomed a new puppy to her family to encourage her to spend more time outdoors. She’s excited about exploring new parks with her boy, Bombi!

Next up is Vanessa Sanchez, the creative genius behind our member appreciation events, fabulous giveaways, and goal-crushing campaigns as the Membership Services Coordinator. Get ready to be wowed by her innovative ideas as you embark on your Champions Club journey. When asked about her impressions of Champions Club so far, Vanessa stated, “I have enjoyed the community that surrounds me. Everyone has been so welcoming and kind to me throughout my time here at Champions Club. I appreciate all the help and patience from those I work and interact with every day.”

Get to know her a bit better:

  • Vanessa is recently married so her name will be changing soon!
  • She used to be a Choir Director and is a classically trained singer.
  • Vanessa enjoys spending time outdoors and going on walks with her dogs. She practices mindfulness every day and journals when she can.
  • She enjoys attending concerts and going country dancing.

Last but not least, meet Anna Valdez, the Rentals Coordinator extraordinaire. She’s your go-to for transforming our spaces into epic event zones. Imagine your next birthday party becoming a life-long memory, all thanks to Anna. Anna has already made a great impression. “What I have enjoyed most about working at Champions Club so far is the fun environment that I am welcomed with every day when coming to work. Whether it’s with the guests or my coworkers, Champions Club knows how to have fun!”

Find out more about her and her talents:

  •  Anna graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Sports Management. She previously worked with the City of College Station as an Events Specialist for two years before moving to Dallas.
  • Anna practices wellness in her personal life by maintaining a balanced diet and getting 8 hours of sleep every night. She enjoys doing puzzles and walking for at least 45 minutes every day to get her steps in!

These incredible individuals have already hit the ground running in their new roles, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have them as part of the team. To our Champions Club members, be sure to give them a warm welcome and say hello when you see them. Together, we’re shaping the future of Champions Club!

Meet Sara Farris, Programs Supervisor

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!

Celebrating Park and Recreation Professionals Day

Parks and recreation are all about enjoying the good parts of life, getting outside, and learning to play for fun. Those who choose a career in community services care deeply about providing services that allow our community to do the things they love the most.

July 21 is Park and Recreation Professionals Day, and we couldn’t let it go by without celebrating the world-class individuals who live out the work-hard, play-hard mentality every day. Throughout the month, we’ve been highlighting the different divisions that make up the Community Services Department, and today we are diving into the public service motivation that keeps our team at the top of their game daily.

When you work in the largest department in the city, it can be hard to stop and reflect on the incredible work your colleagues do, and we occasionally get siloed in our individual responsibilities. However, we know each team member is vital to fulfilling our mission of creating world-class experiences for our residents. On this Park and Recreation Professionals Day, we paused to ask one of our teammates what he loves most about his job.

Here’s what our Athletics Coordinator had to say:

“What I like about working in Parks and Rec is watching the kids I used to interact with as a counselor/attendant level grow up, develop their skills, and see them thrive in our programs and leagues. It’s even better when they remember me and they talk to me about how school is going or how much fun they are having in their sport. Seeing them enjoy themselves in our programs and leagues lets me know that we are doing the best job that we can for them and our community!” Luis Marquez, Athletics Coordinator

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Thank you to everyone in the Community Services Department. We’re lucky to be surrounded by world-class parks and recreation professionals who help our community grow every day!

Where Community Grows: The Hospitality and Sales Division

A community grows with each moment that a life-long memory is created, and no one knows more about celebrating life’s most precious memories than the Hospitality and Sales Division.

The Community Services Department goes above and beyond traditional parks and recreation services. The Marq Southlake hosts our award-winning events venue, Legends Hall. The team that manages Legends Hall ensures our community events are picture-worthy, fun, and unforgettable. A small but mighty bunch, these professionals are always busy booking and planning events, running the Southlake Senior Activity Center, and providing world-class customer service to every visitor. The Hospitality and Sales Division does everything, from large-scale weddings and high school graduations to senior fitness classes!

Legends Hall is the place to gather for all of life’s events. Our Hospitality and Sales Division manages all sorts of private events while ensuring our customers are always satisfied. Did you know that weddings have made up about 29% of all the gross revenue for Legends Hall since it opened in 2015? Our venue is listed on all the premier wedding websites and magazines in DFW!

Other world-class events hosted at Legends Hall include corporate events, baby showers, birthday parties, and day conferences!

The Southlake Senior Center also lives in Legends Hall. This luxurious space is just for our 55 and better community and serves as their home away from home. Senior Center staff take great pride in creating incredible programs for our seniors, including food socials, field trips, and guest lectures!

Ensuring every event and program goes off without a hitch is what the Hospitality and Sales Division does best! Happy Park and Recreation Month to these exceptional Community Services employees!

 

Celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July!

The City of Southlake’s Community Services Department celebrates Park and Recreation Month this July with the theme “Where Community Grows.” This month plays a vital role in building strong, vibrant, and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation.

 

Southlake’s Community Services Department boasts world-class parks and recreation professionals dedicated to helping our community grow! Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), is about shining a light on the positive impact of public parks and recreational services on their community. It’s time to celebrate how our Southlake community grows all month long.

 

We will highlight participants and staff from all our Community Services divisions during July. You can see the essential services, and the people who provide them, by following our social media page @experiencesouthlake.

 

To help celebrate Park and Recreation Month further, the Community Services Department put together a Parks and Recreation calendar of events. There is a highlighted activity for Southlake residents and visitors to do with their friends and family every day in July. July is always a blast with many world-class activities!

 

To learn more about Park and Recreation Month and its history, visit www.nrpa.org/July. Check out our daily calendar of ways to join the celebration at www.experiencesouthlaketexas.com.