Parks staff outlines NRPA month pop-ups, volunteer roles and budget requests

Parks and Recreation staff told the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Board that July will feature a series of pop-up events for National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) month and asked board members to wear department polos or NRPA shirts at events.

Staff described a set of small, adult-oriented events under consideration—examples included evening music at the amphitheater with food trucks and a possible adult prom at the Branch Connection—alongside family programming and Branch Arts Live, a multicultural performance series. The events-subcommittee recommended budget requests for tents, stage and volunteer support items; staff said those requests are now in the city budget process and should be clearer by mid- to late August.

The department is also planning expanded community outreach to schools, which may include small supply donations for field days or fresh fruit provision; the transcript notes a modest financial impact tied to those outreach efforts. Staff asked board members to sign up for volunteer slots at upcoming events (Independence Day, Halloween in the Park, the July birthday/pool event) and described role categories such as guest services, activity coordinator and food-and-beverage assistance.

Staff also summarized current and upcoming staffing changes in aquatics: Aquatics assistant manager Haley Hamilton has left city employment; Ashley Muñoz, recreation manager, is now overseeing the aquatics division; Eliana Vasquez stepped up to support facility management, and other aquatics staff named include Cassandra Wilder and Ally Chambers.

Board members asked logistical questions about volunteer assignments and holiday events; staff said detailed volunteer sign-ups will be distributed and that a marketing push for NRPA pop-ups will start July 1. No formal votes were taken; staff said they will return with budget updates after the summer budget cycle.