Parks & Recreation Quarterly Guide:
Play Connected.
Discover the joy of fall in Celina out at Old Celina Park through fall sports and over at the Ralph O’Dell Senior Center with an array of activities and fitness. From youth sports to adult recreation, engaging programs and festive crafts to our vibrant Senior Center, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Join us as we welcome our new Director of Parks & Recreation, Steve Walsh, and embark on a season filled with fun, friendship, and community spirit. Together, we Play Connected.
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Programming
Residents can sign-up for any of these classes at the following: bit.ly/CelinaRecReg or using the QR code on the previous page.
BARRE FITNESS WITH BRITTANY
Tuesdays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, October & November
Thursdays from 5:30 - 6:30 AM, October & November
Utilizing a ballet barre and mat work, this class weaves together elements of ballet dance, Pilates, and weightlifting that tones your entire body, especially the legs, glutes, and core. Set to fun, upbeat music, this low-impact class is excellent for all levels of fitness.
CORE CIRCUIT
Wednesdays from 7:30 - 8:30 PM, October & November
This routine targets all the major muscles in your core, including your abs, obliques, and lower back. Perform each exercise for the specified number of repetitions or time, then move on to the next exercise.
DRUMBA WITH LUCY
Tuesdays from 6:00 - 6:45 PM, October & November
Saturdays from 10:00 - 10:45 AM, October & November
Drumba is an exercise format that combines regular and weighted Drumba Stix with combinations of dance steps and exercise moves to create a fast-paced, intense cardio workout for the upper and lower body. It can be done seated or standing and is a fun cardiovascular workout for all ages and abilities!
ZUMBA WITH BRITTANY
Mondays from 6:30 - 7:30 PM, October & November
Mondays from 7:30 - 8:30 PM, October & November
Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 PM, October & November
Saturdays from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, October & November
Zumba is a cardio-based class that combines Latin and international music with simple, repetitive dance moves to create a dynamic calorie-burning workout for people of all fitness levels and age groups.
STEP AEROBICS
Thursdays from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, October & November
Step aerobics is a high-intensity cardio workout that uses a step platform to add resistance and challenge your muscles. The routine involves performing various movements, such as step-ups, knee lifts, and lunges, on the platform.
CARDIO CIRCUIT
Tuesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 AM, October & November
This routine combines high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with bodyweight exercises to provide a challenging and time-efficient workout. Perform each exercise for the specified time or number of repetitions, then move on to the next exercise with minimal rest.
TEXAS KENPO KARATE
Class 1: Monday & Wednesday from 5:45 - 6:30 PM
8-week course | $60 | Juniors Basic Training | Ages 6-11
Dates: October 21 - December 18
Class 2: Monday & Wednesday from 6:30 - 7:00 PM
8-week course | $80 | Juniors Phase 1 | Ages 6-11
Dates: October 21 - December 18
Class 3: Monday & Wednesday from 7:15 - 8:00 PM
8-week course | $100 | Juniors Phase 2 & 3 | Ages 6-11
Dates: October 21 - December 18
Class 4: Tuesday & Thursday from 5:45 - 6:30 PM
8-week course | $20 | Adult Basic Training | Ages 12+
Dates: October 22 - December 19
Class 5: Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30 - 7:00 PM
8-week course | $40 | Adult Phase 1 | Ages 12+
Dates: October 22 - December 19
Class 6: Tuesday & Thursday from 7:15 - 8:00 PM
8-week course | $80 | Adult Phase 2 & 3 | Ages 12+
Dates:October22-December19
Kenpo is more than just a self-defense system. It’s a practical and effective approach tailored for each student. While the system provides a structured foundation, it also encourages freedom of ideas and movement while fostering creativity.
INTRO TO SPANISH FOR YOUTH
Ages 7-9: Tuesdays from 4:15 - 5:15 PM
6-week online course | $60 | Limit to 10 kids
Dates: October 1 - November 5
HOLIDAY CRAFT: Pumpkin Painting
Thursday, October 10 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Old Celina Park | $5 | Ages 3+
HOLIDAY CRAFT: Day of the Dead
Saturday, November 2 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Senior Center | $5 | Ages 5+
Building a Greener Future: Steve Walsh Takes the Helm as Director of Parks & Recreation
Walsh officially became our Director of Parks & Recreation in September.
After a competitive selection process with top-tier candidates vying for the position, Steve Walsh stood out as the clear choice to lead the department into a thrilling new era. With more than 25 years of experience in Frisco, Walsh is ready to elevate the Parks & Recreation Department to the next level.
His journey started at Texas Tech University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and discovered a love for public service.
Reflecting on his career path, Walsh recalled, “That first job led me into the world of Olympic Cycling, and through a partnership with the City of Frisco, I found my true calling in municipal government.”
Walsh’s Texas and Michigan roots, fueled by his father’s successful career at General Motors, gave him a solid work ethic and a unique perspective on sports and community building.
“Sports were always big in my family,” he said, recalling his older siblings’ influence on his competitive spirit. “That drive to compete has stayed with me and continues to fuel my professional journey.”
Walsh spent over two decades helping Frisco’s Parks & Recreation Department flourish amidst rapid growth, enthusiastically tackling challenges and gaining valuable expertise.
Now, he’s ready to bring that same energy to Celina, embracing a community on the verge of significant development. “Frisco
has been wonderful to me and my family, but I’m excited for this next chapter,” Walsh said, beaming.
He’s not just here to maintain the status quo. Walsh is eager to collaborate across departments, helping craft a Celina as vibrant as its potential.
“Celina has an incredible opportunity for growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact is what drew me here,” he shared. “Our team is dedicated to creating top-notch parks and facilities that reflect the pride this community already has.”
As the City grows, so will its parks and recreation offerings, with big plans for Old Celina Park and upcoming developments at Ousley Park and Wilson Creek Park. Walsh is ready to lead the charge, ensuring Celina’s parks are second to none.
“We’re building something special here,” he said. “Our residents deserve nothing less than exceptional service, and we’re excited to deliver results that will make this community proud.”
Even with all his responsibilities, Walsh stays connected with the people of Celina, prioritizing engaging with residents and staff alike. “The community has been so welcoming, and each day, I’m more inspired by their pride in this city,” he said.
With Walsh at the helm, the parks and recreation scene is gearing up for an exciting future filled with growth, collaboration, and community spirit.
Old Celina Park Playground Renovation
This modern, farm-themed play area encourages imaginative play and physical activity among children.
Dean Construction has initiated the development of an innovative all-inclusive playground at Old Celina Park, reflecting the City’s steadfast commitment to enhancing local recreational facilities.
This thoughtfully designed project, aimed at children ages 2 - 12, will incorporate a variety of attractions, including a water feature and a multi-use court, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for young visitors. Strategically situated in the current playground’s location, the new facility will serve as a central hub for family activities within the park.
In preparation for this new construction, the existing playground has been dismantled and relocated to the southeast corner of Old Celina Park. Throughout the construction process, the park’s pavilion will remain open and accessible from the parking lot, ensuring that some facilities remain available for public use.
The project is anticipated to be completed by October 2025, at which point, the community will benefit from a modern, farm-themed play area equipped with an array of slides, swings, and climbing structures designed to encourage imaginative play and physical activity among children.
Overall, the new playground project at Old Celina Park signifies a substantial investment in the community’s recreational infrastructure, providing inclusive and diverse play opportunities for children. With its extensive range of equipment and features, the farm-themed playground promises to be a valuable addition to the park, fostering a vibrant, family-friendly environment.
The City’s proactive efforts in securing funding and planning for future growth demonstrate its ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.