Parks and Rec Supervisor Julie Leads Community Engagement and Events in Wiley

In a recent government meeting focused on Parks and Recreation in Wylie, Texas, the role of communication and marketing within the department was highlighted, particularly in the absence of long-time supervisor Julie, who is currently on maternity leave. Britney, stepping in for Julie, detailed the significant contributions made by the marketing team to enhance community engagement and awareness of recreational offerings.

Julie, who has been with the department for 16 years, serves as the brand ambassador, overseeing public messaging, signage, and the visual identity of Parks and Recreation. Her work includes managing the public arts program, with four new art installations planned for the Municipal Complex Trail in 2025. This initiative aims to enrich the community's cultural landscape and promote local artists.

A key aspect of Julie's role involves creating and distributing activity menus for seasonal programs, which are available both online and in print. Notably, the department has found that printed materials yield a 2 to 1 return on investment, significantly outperforming the national standard of 50 to 1. This statistic underscores the effectiveness of traditional outreach methods in Wylie, where community engagement is a priority.

Additionally, Julie collaborates with the utility billing department to inform new residents about recreational offerings, providing them with free day passes to encourage participation. Her leadership extends to organizing popular downtown events, including the Bluegrass on Ballard and the Victorian Christmas market, which foster community spirit and involvement.

The meeting also emphasized the department's commitment to gathering feedback from residents to enhance recreational services. This proactive approach aims to strengthen connections within the Wylie community and ensure that the Parks and Recreation department continues to meet the needs of its residents.

As the department looks ahead, the focus remains on adapting to community feedback and exploring new ways to engage residents, ensuring that Wylie remains a vibrant and active community.