Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation staff summarized fall programming and holiday preparations, noting multiple community events and efforts to coordinate with the school district and volunteers.

Highlights: Branch Connection will host a craft fair (this weekend), a monthly breakfast Nov. 3, a Veterans Day celebration Nov. 11 and a holiday lunch Nov. 19 (free for members, $5 for nonmembers with day passes required). The community events team is running fall ball athletics and will attend several Carrollton‑Farmers Branch Independent School District (CFBISD) trunk-or-treats, historical park haunted houses and will staff Halloween in the Park next Saturday.

Spooky Pooch and vendor placement: Staff said Spooky Pooch was well attended; volunteers and a veterinary partner were active. Several board members suggested moving vendors from parking lots into park interior to increase foot traffic and vendor sales at future events.

National Night Out: Staff reported the department attended multiple block parties using two large vehicles and an SUV, visiting roughly five neighborhood parties; turnout appeared lower in some areas this year. The department plans to divide volunteers into multiple teams to cover more parties next year.

Santa on the Move and other outreach: A community survey for “Santa on the Move” is open Oct. 10–Oct. 31 (survey period noted in the meeting). Staff also described communications tactics including social media graphics, Active Net notices and water-bill inserts to promote programs.

Why it matters: The updates affect volunteer coordination, vendor strategies, and scheduling for residents who plan to attend seasonal events. Board members asked staff to confirm volunteer rosters and to circulate assignments for upcoming events.

Board direction: Staff will continue outreach to the school district to avoid scheduling conflicts and will circulate event volunteer assignments by email.