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McAllen Honors Parks and Recreation with Champion Award; Free Equipment Coupons Announced
Summary
City of McAllen leaders gathered at Camp McAllen to present the McAllen Champion Award to the Parks and Recreation Department. City Manager Ike Tewill and interim public works director Robert Trevino praised staff; Parks announced coupons for free rentals valid through Dec. 31, 2025.
Irma Chapa, the City of McAllen director of communications, opened a ceremony at Camp McAllen to present the McAllen Champion Award to the city's Parks and Recreation Department and to note growing public use of the city's outdoor spaces.
"I am proud to present the McAllen Champion Award to one of our finest departments, the McAllen Parks and Rec," Mayor Javier Villalobos said as he recognized staff and described Camp McAllen as "a 20-acre experience built with purpose, creativity, and a deep understanding of our community." The mayor credited the department with strengthening community ties and elevating the city's identity.
City Manager Isaac "Ike" Tewill said the award reflected the everyday work of municipal employees who help make McAllen welcoming. "That vision isn't just written on paper. It lives in the people who serve our residents and this city every single day," Tewill said, praising staff for service and pride across city departments.
Robert Trevino, the interim director of public works, offered a behind-the-scenes account of Parks and Recreation staff stepping in to support events and operations. "Their instinct is to simply serve," Trevino said, adding the department often acts before needs are widely apparent.
As part of the recognition and to encourage residents to use city amenities, Parks and Recreation announced a redeemable coupon that provides a free rental of fishing poles, kayaks or archery equipment. The coupon was announced as valid through Dec. 31, 2025; staff directed residents to the department website for redemption details.
Chapa closed the brief ceremony by inviting city leadership to join the Parks team for a group photo and asking attendees to spread the word about Camp McAllen and the city's other parks, trails and outdoor programs.
The event combined formal recognition of Parks and Recreation with promotional outreach intended to increase public use of Camp McAllen and related amenities.
