Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historical Park Operations And Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks and Rec resumes operations at Farmers Branch historical park; staff outline summer events and venue plans
Summary
Parks and Recreation staff told the Farmers Branch historical board that operation of the historical park and venue has been moved back to Parks and Recreation, and outlined upcoming events, summer camps, volunteer support and a five-year board 'sunset' review.
Robert Diaz, the city’s Parks and Recreation director, told the Farmers Branch Historical Preservation and Restoration Board that management of the historical park and venue operations returned to the Parks and Recreation Department earlier this week. "I'm Robert Diaz. I'm the Parks and Rec director," he told the board, and said the change will simplify operations and coordination.
Why it matters: staff said bringing venue operations back under Parks and Rec should improve coordination of events, maintenance and bookings. The department also outlined several upcoming public programs and volunteer-supported fundraisers that rely on community participation and Friends of the Historical Park fundraising.
Events and programs: staff said a security board class scheduled for an upcoming Thursday is sold out with 22 registered attendees. The department is running a passive "paint the rocks" program (registration required; organizers provide rocks and paint). A pop-up local food and "Coffee with a Cop and friends" event is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; coffee and baked goods will be available for purchase, and proceeds purchased by the Friends of the Historical Park will support that group's grants and activities. A Girl Scout workshop is scheduled the same morning.
Summer camps and registration: two summer camps were discussed. "All Things Toys" runs June 16–20 and costs $250 per camper; staff said only three openings remained at the time of the meeting. A week-long "Under the Sea" camp June 23–27 was sold out. "Girls Make History" is scheduled July 14–18 with approximately 15 slots still open. Staff said scholarships are available for families in need.
Other items: the Independence Day celebration is set for Thursday, July 3, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The classic car show will return Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; public admission is free and classic car registration is $25. Parks will be closed Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day and Friday, July 4, for Independence Day.
Operations and staffing: Diaz said the change took effect earlier in the week after Perla Tavera, previously in the role, was no longer with the city; Jessica Alvarado will represent administration for parks and rec matters at board meetings. Diaz said staff will work with board members and the Friends group on venue rentals, fundraising and outreach.
Board process note: board members were reminded that several advisory boards undergo a five-year "sunset" review by ordinance; staff said those reviews generally occur in May–June and the city council will ask whether boards should continue. No formal board action was taken on the park operations transfer during the meeting; staff presented the update and answered questions.
Logistics note: staff confirmed the planned "fish" event would proceed "rain or shine" — emergency management told staff there was no rain expected in Farmers Branch for that weekend, but if rain occurred fish would still be delivered and families could pick them up on their own.
