May is here and that means summer’s just around the corner! We’re counting down the days to backyard BBQs, baseball games, and soaking up every bit of sunshine
Before we dive into summer, we want to recognize our incredible Field Maintenance Crew for keeping everything spotless and ready for the season Thank you all for going above and beyond!
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who helped prepare and clean The REC for the Rec Camp Conference, it was a job well done, and we’re grateful for your efforts
Your hard work makes all the difference We appreciate you!
LUKE WOLFARD
Luke is our Contract Foreman and a key player in keeping Grapevine’s parks beautiful. He brings hard work, humor, and heart to the team.
Off the clock, he enjoys time with his wife Andrea, son Tenison, and chickens Kiwi and Cherry, plus a good sandwich, golf, and fishing trips.
He lives by the golden rule and takes pride in making Grapevine a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks, Luke!
EMILY MARECLE
Emily keeps our Aquatics division running smoothly and brings an adventurous spirit from her small-town roots.
A proud mom to Hallie and Landry (plus pups Elvis and Ranger), she loves tennis, pickleball, Whataburger runs, and Target strolls. You’ll often catch her rewatching The Office or humming Cody Johnson. Her motto? "A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor."
We’re lucky to have her on the team—say hi when you see her!
THE APPLAUSE LINE I THE APPLAUSE LINE I
Shout out to Joseph Solis!
“For creating the Flex in the City challenge and finding creative ways to keep our members motivated and moving. The part-time staff might joke about your aura, but you’re truly someone everyone feels comfortable turning to for support and guidance We’re lucky to have you on the team!”
Thank you, Mariah Wallace!
“For being such a steady and supportive presence for our team!!! You bring so much patience, care, and determination to everything you do. Whether it's offering advice, calming chaos, or just keeping things on track, you’re someone people can always rely on. Even with everything you're dealing with (including your literal broken back), you still show up every day with focus, commitment, and heart. Working alongside you makes everything easier, we truly appreciate you!”
Thanks to the Michael Scott of our office: Matt Criner!
“His Oklahoma roots and wrestling coach energy shine through, but it’s his passion (and cringe-worthy dad jokes) that really make him unforgettable. Matt’s always ready to help and gives 100%, living by his signature motto: ‘Don’t suck, be good.’ We’re lucky to have him on the team!”
Congrats Luke Clutterbuck!
“Luke, you’ve stepped into new responsibilities in Athletics with such confidence and care. The athletic staff and clients have shared nothing but great things about your leadership and how well you have organized our athletic programs. Your hard work and dedication are truly making a difference, we’re all grateful for you!”
Big Shoutout to Luke Wolfard!
“We want to take a moment to recognize Luke for his unwavering professionalism and can-do attitude. When faced with a nearly impossible request from the GGC, Luke didn’t back down; he rolled up his sleeves and got to work researching a thoughtful solution. Beyond that, he’s always quick to lend a hand, especially when it comes to clearing out the piles of junk left behind by our volunteer cleanups. Thank you, Luke, for always going the extra mile and helping keep Grapevine beautiful!”
Thank you, Jenn!
“Thank you for always making time to check in and support the team. Whether it's offering advice, stepping in to help, or just being there to listen, you always show up when it counts. Your dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Your support makes a big difference, and we’re lucky to have you!”
Big Shoutout to: Brooke Hubbard, Stephen Chevier, and Brooke Tincopa!
“Brooke Hubbard, Stephen Chevier, and Brooke Tincopa did an excellent job planning the annual Mom & Me Tea on Saturday, May 10. Denesha Factory, Hayden Garner, Kristen Steinborn, and Dawn Parry helped with setup and worked tirelessly through tear-down. Great job, team!”
THE APPLAUSE LINE I1 THE APPLAUSE LINE I1 Congrats Graduates!
Congrats to Stephen Chevier!
“Join us in congratulating Stephen on earning his Bachelor of Business Administration from LeTourneau University! Your hard work and dedication have paid off, we’re proud of you!”
Congrats to Justin Jordan!
“Join us in congratulating Justin on earning his B A A S in Geography and GIS, Magna Cum Laude, from UNT!
This achievement is a testament to your dedication, well done!!”
APPRECIATION FROM PATRONS
“Dear Ms Cindy Harris:
On behalf of the Grapevine Garden Club, we would like to thank you for your continued support of our Annual Plant Sale. The City has been so supportive of our Plant Sale for a very long time. Not only by all the printing of materials, supplying fencing, tables, canopies and chairs. Trace Worthy truly goes above and beyond sharing half of the greenhouse for us to store our purchased plants until the sale. Without the continued support of the City, we would not be as successful and able to fund our Civic Seed and Scholarship programs. Please know it is with sincere thanks for ALL that you and your staff do to support our organization. Thank you!” - Judy Sutherland and Karen Stephenson from Grapevine Garden Club
THE APPLAUSE LINE I1I THE APPLAUSE LINE I1I
APPRECIATION FROM PATRONS
Thank you to Morgan and Cindy for working with partners like DORBA Volunteers (Dallas Off-Road Bike Association) to get projects like this completed!
“Hi Chris & Cindy,
I've been meaning to send this email for a few weeks now, but just now finally getting around to it!
I wanted to say thank you for removing all the mud from Horseshoe Trail in the section just west of Boathouse Loop.
Those three muddy areas weren't just annoying, they were dangerous as it was easy to slip in the mud when wet or twist an ankle when it was hard and dry - especially in the dark, when us early morning runners are out on the trail.
Many members of Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers immediately noticed the difference in the trail condition and expressed their gratitude. Thank you!” - Kelly
“Good morning,
I wanted to recognize an exceptional city employee I encountered this past weekend while attending a Perfect Game Baseball Tournament as a parent.
First, compliments to your team, the fields, restrooms, and surrounding areas were clean and wellmaintained throughout the entire weekend. It made for a great experience.
During the championship game, the concession stand began closing while many kids and parents were still in need of food. Pamela (I hope I have her name right) handled the situation with calm professionalism. She clearly explained the staff schedule and closing requirements, but still allowed me, the last in line, to place one final team order.
Her respectful, customer-focused attitude helped diffuse what could have been a tense moment. In a world quick to criticize, I wanted to say thank you and let you know how much we appreciated her outstanding service.
Warm regards.” - Becky Rubenstein, Executive Assistant to the Plano City Manager
THE APPLAUSE LINE IV THE APPLAUSE LINE IV
APPRECIATION FROM PATRONS
“I would like to offer a shoutout to our entire team of dedicated Parks & Recreation Department employees for consistently proving why Grapevine has one of the best Parks and Recreation Departments in the country – and I’ve included a letter as the latest example to prove it.
It is easy to accept requests to tour folks when asked when I know they’ll be impressed, but more importantly because I am proud of the facilities they will see, the programs we provide, the service they will receive and the staff they will meet – regardless of area or division.
The letter received may have my name on it but has very little to do with me and much more to with the work this department and this staff does each and every day. I encourage you to insert your own name into the letter as you read it because it will make it just as true.” - Randy Sell
D I V I S I O N
D I V I S I O N
S P O T L I G H T
S P O T L I G H T
Therapeutic Recreation
Matt Criner leads a passionate team dedicated to providing educational, recreational, and life-skills programming for adults with special needs.
Alongside full-time Recreation Coordinators Rachel Vise and Aleisha Irving, and part-time team members Angie Thonethao, Joseph Pilcher, and Lori Cresswell, this crew creates meaningful experiences that build confidence, independence, and community.
Their programs focus on social development, wellness, and vocational readiness, and are enhanced through field trips, volunteer work, and community outings. You’ve likely seen them in action supporting Keep Grapevine Beautiful or volunteering at GRACE.
They also regularly assist other divisions, from youth camps to transporting active adults, showing the true spirit of teamwork.
Coming soon: Summer Strides launches June 2025, and the team is working to expand even more offerings for current and future participants.
Together, this team is building a more inclusive and connected community, one program at a time.
