September is here, bringing one of the most exciting seasons of the year. Grapevine Parks & Rec is known for creating unforgettable fall events, and our community eagerly awaits them.
After a strong showing at the DFW Directors 6 Pack, our team enters the season with momentum, pride, and determination. As defending champions, the pressure was high but once again we delivered. We won kickball, 2nd in archery, placed 5th in aquatics, and 3rd and 4th in pickleball. Most importantly, we secured the overall tournament victory and kept our championship streak alive. These results reflect a team that shows up, competes hard, and lifts each other up. That same spirit fuels us as we prepare for another vibrant fall season.
Thank you for bringing your best every day and proving why Grapevine Parks & Rec is truly championship caliber.
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
DAN BROWN
REY RODRIGUEZ
Meet Rey Rodriguez, our Skilled Trades Tech I.
When he’s not hard at work, you’ll often find him around a pool table, watching Porky’s, or cheering on a good boxing match. A fan of BBQ and a frequent Walmart shopper, Rey never leaves home without money in his pocket.
If life had a soundtrack, his would be Saturday Night Fever, paired with an energy drink to keep him moving.
Heat may slow him down, but his motto keeps him going: “Fun isn’t where it’s at, fun is what you bring with you.”
We’re grateful to welcome his energy and positivity to the team!
Meet Daniel Brown, our Aquatic Maintenance Technician.
Outside of work, you might catch him watching Married with Children, enjoying Mexican food, or cheering on a football game. A proud dad to his son Nathan, Daniel never leaves home without his phone and admits he spends plenty of time (and money) at Walmart.
If life had a soundtrack, his would be AC/DC’s Back in Black, perfect for someone who loves high-performance cars and staying busy on the job. While complainers might drain his battery, his motto keeps him grounded: “Work smarter, not harder.”
Daniel is excited to meet new people, and we’re thrilled to welcome his energy to the team!
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Big Shoutout to Shan-Dog (aka Shannon Paterson)!
“This was Shannon’s second summer in aquatics and, despite all the coordinator turnover, she’s still here! Even though she’s not on Snapchat, she connects with our teens better than anyone showing them their value, listening first, and for most of them, guiding them through their first job. From buying fruit for Lifeguard Appreciation Day to cooking pancakes for staff, Shannon’s heart of gold and strong work ethic shines every day. Because of her, this has been my first summer in years with real evenings and weekends. She’s an incredible teammate, and anyone who hasn’t got to know her is truly missing out!”
Thanks to Ana Rodenas!
“For creating a fun and unique Membership Incentive for the end of summer! You always do a great job engaging our members and finding new ways to keep them motivated. ��”
Big Shoutout to Mariah Wallace!
“Huge thank you to Mariah Wallace for stepping in and covering my (Ana Rodenas) weekend shift when I was dealing with car troubles you really saved the day!”
Big Shoutout to Makayla Moore!
“Makayla went above and beyond during a recent rental event! A renter shared, “Makayla was an incredible asset! She gave advice, helped when needed, and represented Grapevine in a way you should be proud.” Way to go, Makayla - keep up the amazing work!”
Thanks to Nathalie Mason!
“I would like to give a shoutout to Nathalie Mason. This past Sunday we had several schedule changes due to weather, and our tournament provider missed sending us the added games on a field at baseball. Nathalie, from our field maintenance team, stepped up without hesitation and made it happen. She was notified at 7:30 a.m., and by 8:15 a.m. teams were already playing thanks to her. I even received two appreciative calls from Domingo the owner of Travel Sports Baseball and their scheduler Kevin thanking us, but the credit really belongs to Nathalie for getting Field G playable in no time!”
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CONGRATS ON YOUR PROMOTION, Megan Holladay!
Big congratulations to Megan on her promotion from Administrative Coordinator Assistant to Administrative Manager!
Her dedication, professionalism, and heart for the team never go unnoticed. Megan consistently goes above and beyond, not just in her role, but in the way she shows up for everyone in the office. We’re so lucky to have her leading the way.
Cheers to this exciting new chapter!
CONGRATS ON YOUR PROMOTION, Katelyn Ashley!
I’m excited to share that Katelyn has been promoted from Lifeguard to Outdoor Programs Coordinator!
Katelyn has already demonstrated incredible dedication and energy in Aquatics, and now she’s diving into the Lake Parks team to bring that same enthusiasm to Outdoor Programs. We’re looking forward to all the great things she’ll accomplish in this new role.
Last week was her very first time pulling back a bow, and she hit the bull’s-eye on her first try! (& yes, Chris — we’re already getting her trained up for Six Pack.)
Please join us in congratulating Katelyn on her promotion! - Taylor Johnson
CONGRATS
ON YOUR PROMOTION, Jeremiah Obert!
As most of you know, our horticulturalist, Trace Worthy, retired last month. We opened the position and, after several interviews and much consideration, we’re excited to share that Jeremiah Obert will be stepping into the role at the Botanical Garden. Jeremiah brings a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for the space. He will continue serving as irrigation foreman and will also maintain his responsibilities with the Christmas event. We’re confident Jeremiah will thrive in this expanded role and continue making a positive impact.- Kurt Hardin
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APPRECIATION FROM PATRONS
“Sherard Williams is responsible for coordinating the Senior Movers initiative, with Laura participating in the program.” - Megan Varner
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FAVORITE VIEW - STEPHANIE FRANK
PARR PARK TRAIL
“I’ve always enjoyed running the trail at Parr Park the shaded paths, tall trees, and woodsy scenery make it feel like a little escape. I grew up playing sports there, so every visit brings back great memories. I also like stopping at the workout station along the trail for some variety during my run. What makes Parr Park even better is how family-friendly it is. The trail isn’t too long, so it’s perfect for a walk with little ones, and afterward you can head over to the playground or spray ground for extra fun.”
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D I V I S I O N S P O T L I G H T
Athletics Division
The Athletics Division keeps Grapevine active through youth and adult sports.
Under the supervision of Athletics and Hospitality Manager Andrea Tredaway, the team plays a key role in building community through athletics.
The Athletics team includes Supervisor Blake and Recreation Coordinator Luke, who oversee leagues, youth associations, rentals, tournaments, and camps, ensuring quality programs and effective field use for the community.
The division organizes leagues, partners with GCISD and local groups, and manages scheduling to ensure fields are prepared for practices and games. The public sees this work through adult leagues, youth baseball and softball, TNT Tennis, and tournaments at the Oak Grove Baseball and Softball Complex. In addition, the division partners with local youth associations such as Grapevine-Southlake Soccer Association and Mustang Panther Youth Associations, which provide additional athletic opportunities and further expand access to sports for the community.
This season, the team is excited to introduce the new digital Youth Scoreboards at Oak Grove Baseball Complex, test Musco’s AI Umpire technology, a camera-based system that tracks pitches and makes real-time ball/strike calls, and an increase in adult league participation with over 100 teams!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
09/11 Ana Rodenas
09/14 Nathalie Mason
09/19 Emily Marecle
09/23 Matthew McGiboney
09/26 Aleisha Irving
09/26 Rachel Corn
09/27 Jonas Fordham
YEARS OF SERVICE
Thank you!
09/10/2001 Trent Kelley: 24 years
09/14/2005 Kurt Hardin: 20 years
09/15/2008 Mike Waller: 17 years
09/21/2020 James Duvall: 5 years
09/12/2022 Andrew Yuhanna: 3 years
09/19/2023 Jonas Fordham: 2 years
09/25/2023 Brooke Hubbard: 2 years
09/25/2023 Sean Butler: 2 years
09/03/2024 Mariah Wallace: 1 year
UPCOMING EVENTS:
09/27 Fall Sweep
10/01 Roots & Remedies: Nurturing Our Local Trees
10/03-10/04 Sunset Live!
10/04 Take a kid Mountain Biking Day 10/03 PumpkinFest
