THANKSGIVING. It is that time of year when we celebrate and give thanks for the life we live because of the sacrifices of our forefathers, so it is fitting that we take time to look at the many things we have been blessed with since that time.
THANKSGIVING. I was recently honored by the North Texas Region of the Texas Recreation and Park Society as Advocate of the Year for 2019. Wow, what an unexpected and humbling experience. As I looked around the room, I saw many Parks people from years past that had encouraged me along the way as well as members of our FB Parks and Recreation Board. More than that, I saw three tables of Parks and Recreation people joining in the convention’s recognition banquet as Farmers Branch received awards for Parks Design (Barney Wood Bark Park), Excellence in Maintenance (Farmers Branch Historical Park building renovation), and second place in the Parks Maintenance Rodeo. We were all there celebrating the awards being given for the various areas in park and recreation and GIVING THANKS for those being honored.
THANKSGIVING. We had a celebration recently for Parks and Recreation employee, Ed Toliver who was the manager over The Branch Connection, previously called the Senior Center. I am not only thankful for Ed and all of his staff but also for the many volunteers who give their time and devotion to make it the awesome place that is enjoyed by so many.
THANKSGIVING. The Barney Wood Bark Park which I previously mentioned is another thing to be thankful for as it meets the needs of so many dog lovers. It is a state-of-the-art park that our employees gave so much of their expertise and talents to not only design but to finish it with mostly in-house labor. During the park hours, one can go by and see the grateful citizens mingling and watching their dogs frolic and exercise. It is very rewarding to see the families joining together and being thankful for what the City has given them.
THANKSGIVING. When I have the opportunity, I spend time with my grandchildren in the various parks and events around the city. In the summertime, we “park hop,” starting out with breakfast in a park, on to another one and have snacks before we have lunch in another park. It is, of course, their choice as to what parks we visit. Sometimes we get to a passive park and just walk around the lake or sit on a bench and enjoy quiet time, or we may run, climb and slide at the next one and end up at the pool. Nature walks are also a favorite. Talk about feeling thankful. It is unavoidable as you watch the pleasure as they benefit from all that is given to them through our Parks division.
THANKSGIVING. I am THANKFUL every day as I walk/drive through Farmers Branch, the City in a Park. The medians, right-of-ways, Rose Gardens, landscaping, trails and the sports fields all bring a smile to my face and remind me that I need to be thankful for all the blessings I have been given. I am thankful for the time and love our Parks and Recreation Board gives so that I/we can have a better quality of life. How can I not be an advocate for our parks and recreation facilities and events as I recognize all that has been given to me?
Won’t you join me in being an advocate for parks and recreation?
Margaret Young | Citizen Advocate, TRAPS North