Warmer days, fresh blooms, and endless opportunities—spring is here, and there’s no better time to get outside and make the most of it! As we roll into our fourth newsletter of 2025, we’re gearing up for a season filled with adventure, community, and growth
The Youth Baseball and Softball season is officially underway, bringing the excitement of game days back to the fields! Plus, don’t miss the Flex in the City challenge, where you can stay active, push your limits, and have fun reaching your fitness goals
Whether you’re diving into a new activity or simply enjoying the beauty of our parks, there’s something for everyone this season
Let’s welcome spring with open arms and make unforgettable memories together!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Meet Andrew Yuhanna!
Andrew brings energy, humor, and a love for teamwork to his role as Recreation Coordinator for The REC’s Active Adults division.
He’s fueled by snacks, always has his sunglasses nearby, and lives by the motto: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
Off the clock, you’ll find Andrew watching sports, playing Xbox, or spending time with his wife Veronica and their dog Milo. He’s a big fan of Mexican food, Dexter reruns, and basketball his favorite sport to play and watch. His go-to store? Walmart. His theme song? Time to Play the Game by Triple H.
Half Pakistani and half Norwegian, Andrew is proud of his roots and excited to be part of the incredible team at Grapevine Parks and Recreation.
Meet Shannon Paterson, a dedicated member of our REC team! She and her husband Ross have three kids Erin, Jenna, and Jamie who have kept her cheering from the sidelines of many sports over the years
Shannon loves being outdoors, enjoys Hawaiian thincrust pizza, and spends the most money at grocery stores like Sprouts and Trader Joe’s
f she had a theme song, it would be Respect by Aretha Franklin
At work, she thrives on teamwork but finds complainers and non-listeners draining Fun fact she proudly served as a U.S. Army Officer for five years! Her favorite motto? "Hearing is not the same as listening, and listening is not the same as hearing."
Shannon is excited to be part of The REC because she oves this city and all it does for its citizens. Say hi when you see her!
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“Shout out to Luke Wolfard!
For always stepping up to retrieve debris that our volunteers can’t haul away. He’s always willing to help out without a single complaint, and it never goes unnoticed!”
"Big congrats on your wedding, Kaylee!
We couldn’t be happier for you as you step into this new chapter Wishing you all the love, joy, and excitement ahead!"
“Thank you, Jeff Donaldson and, James Duvall!
A big shout-out to Jeff Donaldson and James Duvall! They successfully completed two RV site conversions at The Vineyards, stayed on top of grade work, coordinated with contractors for the Meadowmere Building, and prepared the boat ramps and lake for the summer season. They’ve accomplished a lot this spring!”
“Thanks to the Parks and Recreation Reservation Team!
Can I give a huge shout-out to the entire Grapevine Parks and Recreation Reservations Team? They work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide top-notch customer service for every birthday party and special event rental. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed, thank you for all that you do!”
“Congrats and thank you to Natasha and Claire!
For jumping right into their new roles! They’ve been putting in the work by learning the ropes, building connections, and already finding ways to make improvements We see you, and we appreciate all the effort you're putting in!”
“Thank you, Eden Hernandez!
In the short time since Eden transferred from Public Works to PARD, he has made a tremendous impact on the quality of work we have received from our contractors. His ability to hold them accountable, report and dispatch crews to issues that arise, and his follow-up has helped make that small team more successful. He treats his fellow teammates as well as our contractors with respect. Every time you see Eden, he has a smile on his face, a kind word to offer and is a pleasure to be around. He is always willing to make the extra effort and give a hand anywhere he sees a need.”
“Thank you, Ana Rodenas!
Huge thank you to Ana Rodenas for covering my weekend opening shift so, I could be at Opening Day with my son. It meant so much to be there for that special moment, and I truly appreciate your kindness and support!”
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A BIG THANK YOU TO THE REC TEAM!
“I wanted to send a heartfelt thank you to each of you for the incredible work you put into preparing and cleaning The REC for the Rec Camp Conference. With 56 attendees from 9 different states visiting us, this was an important opportunity to showcase The REC as a premier, high-performance facility….and thanks to your efforts, we absolutely delivered.
During the Q&A, one of the questions we were asked was, “How do you instill a culture of excellence and such a strong emphasis on cleanliness in your team?” Without hesitation, our answer was simple: we hire great people. People who are self-motivated, take pride in their work, and genuinely care about being part of something special. That’s exactly who you are, and it showed today. The pride you take in your work, your attention to detail, and your dedication to maintaining a standard of excellence did not go unnoticed.
Thank you again for your hard work and for continuing to represent The REC and our department with excellence. Well done, team!”
APPRECIATION FROM PATRONS
“Our home backs right up to Horseshoe Trails near the Dove Road entry. Over the years, I’ve reached out to the City a few times to help clear the dead brush and vines creeping into the trees behind our house. It’s not a large area, but when left unchecked, those vines can really take over.
Recently, I noticed that the issue had returned some of the trees were completely overtaken and had actually died, creating a safety concern. I reached out once again, hoping someone might be able to come take a look.
I just want to say thank you Luke got in touch with me right away, and the crew handled everything quickly and thoroughly. The area looks great, and I appreciate the fantastic job that was done. Big thanks to everyone involved for the fast response and for always being willing to help.” - Dwight Garris
Just had to share some kudos on your front desk employee, Elaine. She helped figure out the conundrum with my Rec membership this morning. I truly appreciate her efforts and persistence to solve the mystery. Thank you so much for having friendly qualified capable staff there on the front lines!! - Deb Sandy
M E E T O U R N E W M A R K E T I N G
M A N A G E R !
Claire is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. With a dynamic background that spans rketing, operations, and sales, Claire has built a wellunded career that balances strategic thinking with realrld experience.
fore transitioning into marketing roles across uisiana and Texas, Claire's adventurous spirit led her the scuba industry, where she worked in Australia and nduras as both a scuba instructor and dive ofessional. This unique path reflects her passion for covery and her ability to thrive in diverse vironments.
a dual French-American citizen, Claire brings a global rspective to her work one that informs her approach storytelling, branding, and community engagement. hen she’s not behind a marketing strategy or a mpaign calendar, she’s fully embracing life: exploring derwater caves, snowboarding, or visiting family and ends in France.
aire also brings something intangible but equally portant—an uplifting energy and an enjoyable work vironment wherever she goes. Her warm personality, laborative mindset, and sense of adventure infuse the team with a sense of purpose, possibility, and positivity.
We're lucky to have her on board!
CLAIRE GILBERT
Discover Bear Creek Park: A Family-Friendly Destination
Bear Creek Park is a must-visit spot in Grapevine, offering something for everyone.
It's home to Bark Park at Bear Creek, Grapevine’s first dedicated dog park, where your furry friends can run and play off-leash in a safe, spacious environment.
For families, Bear Creek Park has a lot to offer. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the youth baseball field and pitching cage, perfect for practicing future home runs and no-hitters.
The park also features a playground where younger children can have fun while parents relax and watch nearby.
Looking to host a special event? Bear Creek’s rental pavilion is an excellent choice. Surrounded by pristine landscaping, it provides a beautiful setting for everything from birthday parties to proposals, or even weddings. The picturesque surroundings also make it an ideal location for capturing stunning photographs.
Whether you're visiting with family, planning a special occasion, or just enjoying a day outdoors, Bear Creek Park is a perfect place to make memories.
I V I S I O N
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P O T L I G H T
S P O T L I G H T
Administration
Featuring: Natasha Gale & Megan Holladay
Behind the scenes of every successful event, program, and park improvement is a powerhouse duo keeping it all running smoothly our Administration Division.
Natasha and Megan are the go-to team for supporting every division within Grapevine Parks and Recreation.
From scheduling meetings to fielding public inquiries and organizing Park Board agendas, they are the first line of contact and the backbone of communication.
Their day-to-day includes:
Coordinating with all PARD divisions
Managing department files and scheduling
Maintaining parts of the website
Overseeing purchasing
Attending and recording Park Board meetings
Ensuring timely, accurate communication both internally and externally
Whether they're answering calls from the public or making sure every detail is handled behind the scenes, they’re always ready to help with a smile. Megan shared: “Natasha and I work really well together, and I’m so grateful we’re a team. We’re here for you—whatever you need.”
Their current priority? Continuing to learn how each division fits into the bigger picture of Grapevine Parks and Recreation.
Let’s give a big THANK YOU to the Admin team for their consistent support, teamwork, and can-do attitude!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
04/02 Tony Steele
04/16 Jeremiah Obert
04/17 Jaime Adams
04/17 Jaime Adams
YEARS OF SERVICE
Thank you!
04/06 Michael Warren: 8 years
04/16 Trace Worthy: 7 years
UPCOMING EVENTS:
04/26 Don’t mess with Texas Trash-Off
04/26 Earth Day Celebration
04/26 Brews & Paws: Happy Hour with a Cause
04/28 Membership Appreciation Day at The REC of Grapevine
