Plano Parks & Recreation

Ready to cool off this weekend? Don't miss out on the last chance to splash around at Jack Carter Pool before it closes after Sunday. Plano's other outdoor pools will remain open Labor Day weekend through Monday, Sept. 2. Don't forget to mark your calendars and check planoparks.org for hours of operation. Let's beat the heat together! 💦 Plano Moms

Before it was transformed into a concert venue in 2002, the Courtyard Theater served as a gymnasium for Plano's first high school. Originally built in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration project, the 321-seat venue plays host to a variety of concerts and performances.

Come see for yourself how this beautiful building has evolved at Celebrate the Arts in Plano this weekend with two performances to choose from. Get your tickets today at plano.gov/arts.

City of Plano Parks & Recreation Collaborative Arts of Plano Plano Arts & Events

The racquetball and squash courts as well as the aerobics room at Carpenter Park Recreation Center will be closed starting on Monday, Aug. 26 for resurfacing. The work is expected to take several days and are expected to reopen the following week. Please consider visiting Oak Point or Tom Muehlenbeck recreation centers during this time.

Thank you for your patience!

We don't have to remind folks it's hot out there, but if you plan on spending time outdoors this week, here are a few tips to help you endure the elements:

▶️ Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
▶️ Combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
▶️ Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a hat made of breathable material. Tight clothing traps heat.
▶️ Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness.
▶️ Stay inside during the hottest part of the day (10 A.M. to 4 P.M.) and limit time outside in the sun.
▶️ If you feel overheated, cool off with wet washcloths on your wrists and neck, or take a cool sponge bath or shower. Carry a cold water bottle spray or cooling facial mist with you and spritz cold water on your pressure points to bring your body temperature down.

Lean more about heat illness here: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Cartoonist Andres Alvarez's 2D Mastering Manga & Cartooning online class will help YOU master the art of anime and cartooning. 🤩 Learn how to create epic characters, cool worlds, and mind-blowing action scenes! Whether you're a newbie or already have some drawing experience, we'll help you level up your skills. Classes are conducted live via Zoom and are open to anyone ages 12 and up. Register today at planoparks.org.

Looking for a unique place to host your next celebration or gathering? While some pavilions in Plano are first-come-first-serve, several can be reserved for one of two time slots: 8am-2pm or 3-9pm. Reservation fees vary depending on the size of the pavilion and is nonrefundable.

For a full FAQ as well as locations, costs and capacities, please visit our Pavilion Reservations page at planoparks.org.

Pavilions shown below at Russell Creek Park, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Bob Woodruff Park South, Russell Creek Park, Shawnee Park, Willowcreek Park, and Windhaven Meadows Park.

Photos by Max Nwanebu

City of Plano, Texas Government Plano Moms

NOTICE: The tennis courts at Plano West High School are closed to the public and will reopen on Monday, Aug. 26. This is the result of failure to adhere to the courts' posted rules. Out of respect for our longstanding agreement with Plano ISD, we implore the public to follow these rules when using PISD’s pickleball and tennis courts. Failure to do so could result in additional closures.

For the complete list of rules, please visit https://www.plano.gov/2018/Pickleball-Tennis-Courts

City of Plano, Texas Government Plano Independent School District

Are you a young person ready to make a real impact in your community? Join us at our recreation centers for our Plano Youth Recreation Committee (PYRC) this fall!

We're calling all sixth to tenth graders to collaborate and provide valuable input on our programming, policies and recreation options. Monthly meetings during the school year give a chance to share your concerns, ideas and suggestions with the Plano Parks and Recreation team. Visit our Partnerships & Outreach page at planoparks.org and apply today!

Plano Moms City of Plano, Texas Government

Another fun-filled session is in store this fall through Plano Parks & Recreation! Whether you want to try something new, rediscover a forgotten hobby, or are looking to expand your social circle, there are plenty of options.

Choose from aquatics and fitness classes to winter break camps, outdoor adventures, fine arts, and more! In addition to the classes you've grown to love, this fall also features a fun lineup of free and/or affordable family friendly events:

🍂 September
7 – Adapted Recreation Summer Sensory Field Day at Windhaven Meadows Park (11am-2pm)
14 – Community Garage Sale at Oak Point Recreation Center (8-11am)
🍂 October
12 – Beatles Night at Red Tail Pavilion
24 – Boo Bash at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center (4:30-8pm)
🍂 November
11 – Veterans Day Luncheon at Carpenter Park Recreation Center
23-24 – Plano Holiday Market at Carpenter Park Recreation Center
🍂 December
7 – Dickens in Downtown Plano
14 – Breakfast with Santa at Carpenter Park Recreation Center

Questions? Call us at 972-941-7250 or email [email protected].

Time to get those weekend plans in place, and what better way to cap off the summer than in Plano's pools? 🌊 All outdoor pools will be open weekends only starting this weekend through Sunday, Sept. 1.* Visit our Recreation Centers & Pools page at planoparks.org for complete hours of operation at both indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities and plan your trip today!

* Tot Splash Time at Oak Point Recreation Center will still continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-noon, through Sept. 6.

City of Plano, Texas Government Plano Moms

Enfield Park the latest sports complex set to receive improvements to include restroom replacement and replacement of lighting for the park's eight ballfields. The lighting improvements will include a transition to LED lights and replacement of lighting controls, wiring, light poles and fixtures, switch gears, and underground conduits. For information about these and other projects, please visit our Park Projects & Plans page at planoparks.org. 💡

Episode 77: What’s happening in Parks & Recreation? From trail extensions to erosion control, playground replacement, and rec center renovations, Park Planning Manager Renee Jordan joins the show to give us an update.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxCWGBhx6lwv City of Plano, Texas Government

Inside Plano #77: Taking a look at what’s on the way for Parks and Recreation You may have noticed a lot of construction projects happening in our parks right now. From trail extensions to erosion control, and playground replacement to...

📷 Scenes from some of our earliest summer camp memories side-by-side with shots taken last month show some striking similarities, don't you think? From our family to yours, thanks for making Plano Parks & Recreation part of your summer this year. Wishing you all the best in the upcoming school year!


City of Plano, Texas Government

While school is fast approaching, there's no reason to say goodbye to summer just yet. We'll be sharing the summer vibes at Plano's outdoor pools weekends only now through Labor Day 🤩 For a complete list of hours and admission details, head over to our webpage at planoparks.org.

Tot Splash Time at Oak Point Recreation Center will still continue every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am-noon, through Sept. 6 (with the exception of Labor Day, Sept. 2).

(Photo by Michele Cruz)

Plano Moms City of Plano, Texas Government

Did you know beavers eat more than just logs and trees? Their gut is designed for a woody diet, but they also eat leafy plants, water lilies, roots, leaves, and all sorts of aquatic vegetation. These rodent vegetarians are also excellent ecosystem engineers.

Aside from humans, beavers do more to shape their environment than any other species. These animals are not particularly fast or strong. Instead, they rely on their construction ability for protection from predators. (Photo by Donna de Chabert)

Enjoy a morning of music with your little one at our Sunshine-N-Music series at Oak Point Recreation Center this fall! Sign up for this fun-filled 30-minute class, which includes exploration of various instruments as well as rhythm with movement, complete with a live performance at the end. Sign up via Recreation Online at planoparks.org today! Plano Moms

So, you want to play pickleball? Thankfully there are many options when it comes to paddling up here in Plano. Visit plano.gov/2018/Pickleball-Tennis-Courts for complete information.

▶️ Recreation Centers - Check the Open Play Gymnasium Schedule on each center’s webpage at planoparks.org (Filter by facility & event type)
▶️ High Point Tennis Center - Group classes for all levels; Leagues include women’s progressive doubles, men’s progressive doubles, fixed partner & fixed mixed doubles.
▶️ Plano Sports Authority (6500 Preston Meadow Dr.) - Recreation members play for free five days a week. Visit www.psa.org schedule.
▶️ PISD tennis courts - There are 90 school-based tennis courts that are free and open to the public after school hours and when not in use by PISD.

*Photo by Michele Cruz

Embrace the cooler weather and discover the endless possibilities for fall fun in Plano! Our five recreation centers are a hub for over 8,000 classes each year, offering a diverse range of activities including fitness, fine arts, aquatics, and continuing education. No matter your age, ability, or background, there's something for everyone.

Fall registration opens this Saturday, Aug. 3 at 8am (Aug. 5 for nonresidents). Don't wait - create your Recreation Online account and browse the catalog at planoparks.org 🏀🧘‍♂️🛶

Plano Moms City of Plano, Texas Government

Sunsets at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve provide a breathtaking experience that beckons wildlife as the cool evening approaches. Plano's parks are great places to start your day or cap off the evening. Don't forget to stay hydrated and dress comfortably for your next visit!

Photos by Max Nwanebu City of Plano, Texas Government

Do you have what it takes to be a Summer War champion? Test your skills by signing up for our 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament on Aug. 10 at Oak Point Recreation Center! This double elimination tournament consists of 12 teams and are guaranteed two 20-minute games. Cost is $60 per team. Winners of the tournament will receive a free cabana rental at Oak Point pool. Register today at planoparks.org! 🏀 🙌🏀

The yellow-crowned night heron looks for shallow water to live in, such as wooded swamps, lakeshores and thickets. Its habitat is closely linked to that of the crustaceans that make for most of its diet, and it tolerates fresh water, brackish water and saltwater.

The yellow-crowned night heron needs bushes or trees to build nests, although it will use rock ledges where vegetation is unavailable. Unlike the black-crowned night heron, the yellow-crowned does not mind living near humans and can be found in wooded neighborhoods, nesting on rooftops and driveways. Such cohabitation may not go smoothly and can create conflicts with humans.

You can observe these beautiful birds at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve as seen here (Photos by Max Nwanebu).

We don't know about you all, but this summer is going by way too fast for us 😕 We'll miss having our photography intern, Max Nwanebu, around most of all. Thanks for helping us celebrate National Park & Recreation Month in July through your lens! 📸 🌳

And thank YOU, Collin College Photography Department for providing an amazing work experience program for these young professionals in our community. City of Plano, Texas Government

(Photos by Kelley Crimmins and Michele Cruz)

Did you know Plano residents can get a recreation membership for as little as $19/month?* Our flexible and affordable membership options are designed to fit your family's needs without breaking the bank. Memberships provide access to all of the recreation centers and pools in Plano. Learn more about our monthly and annual packages at planoparks.org and sign up today!

*Price is for an individual adult membership with monthly auto-draft.

As the Olympics captivate our attention, we can't help but feel inspired by the young archers here at Camp Cimarron. With another successful year of summer camps coming to a close, we are grateful to our campers and their families for choosing to spend their summer with us.

As we say goodbye, we wish you all the best for the future and encourage you to strive for greatness! Let the spirit of the Olympics continue to guide you and may you reach new heights and go for gold. 🥇 (Photos by Max Nwanebu)

Plano Moms City of Plano, Texas Government

Don't miss out on our last week of Play in the Park! We'll be at Willowcreek Park tomorrow morning from 9-10am, then Timber Brook on Wednesday, and Bob Woodruff Park North on Thursday. Join us for a morning and fun, free activities for kids of all ages, plus popsicles! Plano Moms

Good for All Yoga is back with another enriching yoga camp for kids at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center! Introducing children ages 6-12 to yogic techniques, this class helps foster a harmonious balance in emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Participants partake in postures and breathwork to enhance their immune strength. The camp also includes engaging games and activities to spark discussion. Sign up today with Course #67568 at planoparks.org. 🧘‍♂️ Plano Moms

Donated to the City by the Haggard Family in 1924, Haggard Park has been the gathering place in Downtown Plano Arts District for decades. The park underwent several renovations over the years to keep up with population and trends. A master plan for another renovation was recently completed and can be found on the Park Projects & Plans page at planoparks.org.

Photo below include:
1) Haggard Park as it looks today.
2) The park's bandstand was constructed in 1986 as part of the Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration.
3) "The Old Fishin’ Hole" (From the Plano Star-Courier, April 4, 1974)
4) A 1979 aerial view of Haggard Park looking east.
5-7) Renderings from the new Haggard Park master plan.

City of Plano, Texas Government

Plano Magazine caught up with Urban Forester Marc Beaudoing to talk about the future of Plano's oldest tree. We look forward to seeing how our neighbors commemorate the historic hardwood through their artistic creations. 🥰🌳

Plano’s Quadricentennial Bur Oak, located in Bob Woodruff Park and believed to be more than 400 years old, fell after the stormy weather last October. ⁠
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North Texas artists and woodworkers applied online to take one of the pieces and turn it into artwork. ⁠
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“We would like to thank our community partners for assisting us in putting this call for artists together and look forward to repurposing this tree’s legacy into beautiful works of art with the help of local artisans and woodworkers,” says urban forester Marc Beaudoing.⁠
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https://planomagazine.com/local-artists-turn-a-more-than-400-year-old-tree-into-art-pieces/
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📷️: Quadricentennial Oak in 1979, courtesy of Plano Parks and Recreation⁠