ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Table of Contents
Our Mission
The department’s mission is to create leisure experiences by providing world class customer service and diverse opportunities for all generations.
Messages from Parks and Recreation Leadership ......... Parks and Recreation Leadership ....................................... About DeSoto Parks and Recreation .................................. Strategic Direction ................................................................ Recreation Programming ..................................................... Facility Rentals ....................................................................... Aquatics ................................................................................... Senior Activity Center ............................................................ Contact Us ...............................................................................
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Our Vision
DeSoto Parks and Recreation is a vital component in the community that provides diverse services and opportunities. Our staff will be known for their commitment to professionalism and their ability to grow and change with the community. Professionalism: We will exemplify the highest standards of the profession. Engage: We will develop strong relationships. Inspire: We will encourage and promote healthy vibrant lifestyles. Integrity: We will be fair and honest.
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Message from DeSoto Parks and Recreation Director
As the Director of the DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department, I am proud to share our annual strategic plan accomplishments designed to impact the quality of life of our constituents daily. To the residents of DeSoto, volunteers, instructors, vendors, Park Board, and Keep DeSoto Beautiful Board, we accomplished so much together. We were proud to work on your behalf. This report will highlight some of these accomplishments. I would also like to publicly acknowledge my appreciation for our teams’ unwavering commitment to creating a climate conducive to improving quality of life. Aquatic and Recreation Center at McCowan Park In collaboration with the SmithGroup Architectural Firm, Manhattan/Post L Construction Company, and the Integrated Project Solutions construction management team, we have begun construction of the $55 million state-of-the-art Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC) at McCowan Park.
Chris Glover
This 75,000-square-foot facility will feature an eight-lane Olympic competition pool, leisure pool, gymnasiums, indoor track, fitness areas, and community meeting spaces. The ARC promises to serve as a multigenerational health, wellness, and community engagement hub.
Community Engagement and Programming The Parks & Recreation Department is intentional in inclusive program delivery. Underserved populations, including Teens, Autism Awareness, and Seniors, are prioritized. Our department has successfully hosted various programs and events, including but limited to the Community Garden, 5K races, Athletic Tournaments, and Swim Lessons. These programs cater to all age groups. Notably, our recreation programming has seen substantial participation, with thousands of residents being actively engaged. In 2024, the DeSoto Parks & Recreation Department was recognized with the Arts and Humanities Award by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society.
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DeSoto Parks and Recreation Board
⁍ Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level James Jewell Althea Satterfield-White Paul Dryer
James Culp
Danielle Odis
Kristi Boyett
KD Brown
Keep DeSoto Beautiful Board
Mary Davis Place 1
Rhetta Washington-McCoy Place 2
Richard Rogers Place 3
Shelonda Weaver Place 4
Jonett Hutchinson Place 5
Amen Kamau Place 6
Paulette Hunter Place 7
DeSoto Parks and Recreation Leadership
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⁍ Click to edit Master text styles • Second level • Third level • Fourth level • Fifth level Chris Glover Director Nathan Busby Parks Superintendent Dr. Marques Buford Assistant Director Sydney Elliott Youth & Business Supervisor
Dianca McGhee Senior Center Manager
Deneen Anderson Special Events Manager
Yanece Washington Administrative Assistant
Kevin Moore Manager of Sports & Recreation
Steve Moore Athletics & Aquatics Manager
Shannon Myart Senior Center Supervisor
Rod Turner Marketing Coordinator
Kelvin Russell Operations Coordinator
Chris Aguilera Operations Coordinator
Adante Austin Operations Coordinator
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About DeSoto Parks and Recreation
Acres of Parkland 494 6 $5.9M $31.1M $21M 3.6 12 13 14.85 21 53 5 10 3 39 6 18 Parks Banquet Facilties Operating Budget Capital Budget Economic Impact Basketball Courts Sporting Events Hosted Trail Miles Playgrounds Ponds Pavilions Miles of Soft Surface Trails Athletic Fields Full-Time Employees Part-Time and Seasonal Employees Community Centers and Venues DeSoto Parks and Recreation Annual Report | 5
Parks and Recreation Strategic Direction
1. Develop Construction Documents 2. Establish Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and present to Council for approval 3. Start construction for the McCowan Park Aquatic and Recreation Center Construct A High Quality Aquatic And Recreation Center At McCowan Park
100
%
Complete
ARC at McCowan Park Construction Site
Create a Holiday in the Park Event
100
1. Initiate a RFP process and select an ice-rink vendor 2. Design Holiday in the Park Winter Festival layout 3. Solicit other vendors to support festival atmosphere at the Holiday in the Park 4. Host Holiday in the Park Festival
%
Complete
DeSoto On Ice Skating Rink
Expand the Keep DeSoto Beautiful Program
100
1. Create a map identifying Hotspots
%
Complete
Hotspots
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Recreation Programming Recreation programming witnessed a dynamic evolution, characterized by innovative approaches and community engagement. Emphasizing inclusivity and diversity, initiatives were tailored to cater to a wide array of interests and age groups, fostering a sense of belonging and participation among residents.
2,112 2,712
110
Adult Programming Enrollment
Summer Camp Enrollment Youth Athletics Enrollment
2,650
Special Events Attendance Special Events Hosted Memberships Sold
40,569
3,917
Youth Programming Enrollment
29
Recreation Programming is 24% in Cost Recovery
From Summertime on Beltline to various youth sports, the programming landscape was revitalized and engaging. Collaborative partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders amplified the impact of these initiatives, ensuring access to enriching experiences for community members. Recreation programming emerged as a cornerstone of social interaction.
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Facility Rentals Facility rentals experienced a notable surge in demand and adaptability with more events retuning to in- person. DeSoto Civic Center and Corner Theater caters to a diverse range of events, including weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings. Online pavilion bookings provided convenience and facilitated a seamless process. The integration of flexible booking options and enhanced sanitation protocols resulted in obtaining departmental cost recovery standard for this fiscal year.
889 253 138
Civic Center Rentals Corner Theatre
Rentals Pavilion Rentals $180,254 TOTAL REVENUE
Facility Rentals are 70% in Cost Recovery
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Aquatics Aquatics programming made waves with a dynamic blend of safety, education, and recreation. The year saw a resurgence of interest in swimming and water-related activities. Robust learn-to-swim programs catered to individuals of all ages and skill levels, fostering water competency and drowning prevention. Additionally, specialized classes such as water aerobics and aquatic therapy provided avenues for fitness and rehabilitation. Collaborative partnerships with schools and community organizations expanded access to swim lessons and water safety education, promoting inclusivity and equity. Despite challenges posed by revised health regulations, aquatics facilities adapted admirably, implementing stringent sanitation measures, innovative programming to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, and implemented online chemical updates. The Junior Lifeguard Program had a highly successful season, with strong participation and enthusiastic engagement from all involved. The program effectively equipped young trainees with essential water safety skills, teamwork experience, and lifeguarding knowledge.
Aquatics emerged as a cornerstone of community health and vitality, embodying resilience and commitment to aquatic education and recreation.
12,957
709
Total Attendance
Swim Lessons and Classes Enrollment
26
64
Junior Lifeguard Enrollment
Rentals
$130,433
TOTAL REVENUE
Direct Expenses only Aquatics Operations are 120% in Cost Recovery *excluding staff costs
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Senior Activity Center
DeSoto Senior Activity Center flourished as a vibrant hub of community engagement and support for older adults. With a commitment to promoting wellness and social connection, the center offered a diverse array of programs and services tailored to the unique needs and interests of its members.
17,876
17
Meals Served
Special Events Offered Special Events Attendance Visitor Count
1,014
1,688
Memberships
14
18,211
Programs Offered
21,600
Program Attendance
From fitness classes and educational workshops to cultural outings and volunteer opportunities, the calendar was rich with activities designed to foster physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Innovative initiatives such as community garden, Golden Voices choir and intergenerational programs further enriched the center’s offerings, bridging generational divides and nurturing a sense of belonging among participants.
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Contact Us
DeSoto Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 230-9653 DeSoto Civic Center 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 230-9650 DeSoto Recreation Center 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 230-9655
Senior Activity Center 204 Lion Street DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 230-5825
Sports and Recreation youthsports@desototexas.gov Special Events specialevents@desototexas.gov Reservation Services civiccenter@desototexas.gov
Corner Theatre 211 E. Pleasant Run Road DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 230-9650
Connect With Us!
Moseley Pool 1300 Honor Drive DeSoto, TX 75115 (972) 228-3553
Desotorec Desotopard
www.desototexas.gov/parks
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