The Schertz Parks and Recreation Department recently attended the Central Region Workshop and Maintenance Rodeo for the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) and came back with five (5) awards! Our Park Maintenance team members Cole Moody and Larry May took 3rd place in the Truck & Trailer event and will advance to the State Maintenance Rodeo in Galveston in February. Ian King took home 6th place in the Backhoe competition and will be an alternate for the state rodeo as well.
The department was honored to receive the Excellence in Maintenance Award for the Wendy Swan Memorial Park Splashpad Project. An excerpt from the award submission:
The Wendy Swan Memorial Park (WSMP) Pool, originally an HOA-owned pool, was designed for a limited capacity of 50 people, resulting in low demand and limited activities. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, capacity restrictions further hindered its use, with only 12 people allowed initially. The staff responsible for managing outdoor pools deemed it impractical to open the pool. City staff then explored converting this small residential pool into a splash pad, utilizing existing infrastructure as much as possible. This transformation would maintain the old pool's footprint, incorporate existing facilities, and remove the need for lifeguards, enabling an extended season from March to October.
In February 2021, Winter Storm Uri damaged the pool house and restroom. Seizing the opportunity, staff integrated these extensive repairs into the splash pad project. This comprehensive initiative aims to provide continuous public access while ensuring full restroom accessibility. The splash pad officially opened in July of 2023.
The department was also awarded the Photography Award for the various photographs we have utilized in our marketing efforts throughout the year. Special thanks goes to Stacey Lovett, our contract photographer, who has helped capture the essence of our brand so well over the years.
Finally, the department nominated Johnie McDow for "Individual of the Year" for his years of contribution to Buffalo Valley Youth Association, as well as his service on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board since its inception in 2007. An excerpt from the award submission:
Over more than two decades, Johnie McDow has dedicated himself to Parks and Recreation, first as a parent volunteer and eventually as president of the Buffalo Valley Youth Association (BVYA) for 18 years. Under his leadership, BVYA grew from a small sports organization serving 250 kids in three sports to a thriving institution with 2,800 participants in eight sports.
Johnie played a crucial role in the development of the Schertz Ballpark, fostering a strong partnership between BVYA and the City of Schertz. He emphasized community involvement and introduced innovative programs like "Buffalo Bucks" to encourage parent volunteers and make sports accessible to all. His dedication to youth development, sportsmanship, and community betterment earned him numerous accolades and, most notably, the honor of having the Schertz Ballpark renamed after him in 2018. Johnie McDow's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to youth, sports, and the vibrant community of Schertz.
Furthermore, as the current Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Johnie continues to contribute to the community's betterment. His responsibilities include leading bi-monthly board meetings and providing valuable insights and guidance on policies and decisions for the Parks and Recreation Department. Johnie has been a board member since 2007 when the board was first created.
Throughout his tenure, Johnie McDow consistently demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community development, youth empowerment, and sportsmanship, setting an inspiring example for all. |