Parkland Parks and Recreation plans free July events and announces budget workshop

The Parkland Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss various updates and initiatives within the department. Assistant Director Felicia Trainor opened the meeting with general updates, highlighting that July is Parks and Recreation Month. She encouraged community participation in upcoming events and noted that a proclamation would be presented at the city commission meeting on July 8.

Trainor emphasized the availability of a calendar on the city’s website, detailing free events throughout July, including fitness classes such as yoga and pickleball. A notable event, "Clues in the Park," encourages families to explore local parks by solving weekly riddles for prizes.

Following the general updates, Special Events Coordinator Adele Trezino provided a recap of recent events. She reported a successful "Eats and Beats" event in June, which attracted 750 attendees, and a significant increase in participation for Memorial Day activities, moving from 90 to 300 attendees. Trezino also mentioned the upcoming fishing derby and movie nights, including a screening of "Inside Out 2."

The meeting continued with updates on programs and classes from Recreation Coordinator Corey Keane. He reported that summer camp programs began on June 9, with aftercare registration opening to the public on July 23. Keane highlighted the popularity of recent kids' activities, including a game truck event and a potion-making class.

Athletics Programming Specialist Lester Hudson then addressed youth and adult sports leagues. He noted an increase in participation across several youth leagues, particularly in Little League Rec Baseball and travel soccer. However, he acknowledged a decline in the rec lacrosse program, prompting the introduction of post-season clinics to boost numbers.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future events and programs, including a new Teen Kickball League and various adult sports leagues. The board expressed satisfaction with the community engagement and the successful execution of recent events, reinforcing the department's commitment to providing diverse recreational opportunities for Parkland residents.