DISCOVER YOUR NEXT
ADVENTURE WINTER 2021-2022
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MILES OF CYCLING WHAT'S IN A NAME
THE HISTORY OF A PARK & REC CENTER
YOUR NEW TRADITION
DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE
WINTER FISHING
GET HOOKED
MYABILENEPARKSANDRECREATION
CONTENTS RUNNING + FITNESS + FOOD
EVENTS 05 SPECIAL Find your next adventure and check out the long list of special events happening this winter only with My Abilene Parks & Recreation.
AMENETIES 06 PARK The City of Abilene has 27 parks totaling
1,002.22 acres and offers a varied collection of modern facilities to fill the many diverse recreation needs of its clients.
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08 EXCLUSIVE!
DISCOVER THE EXCITEMENT OF FISHING RAINBOW TROUT
WHAT'S IN A NAME A Recreation Center gets a new name,
but the fun is still the same at Sears Park.
14 SENIOR PROGRAMS
The City of Abilene Senior Services Division provides excellent recreational and social opportunities for senior citizens of Abilene and surrounding areas.
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A lively seven-day Winter Break Camp is taking inspiration from the cherished Nutcracker Ballet.
One of the longest running Special Events in Abilene is back, and with a new theme to boot.
BEYOND THE LAND OF DADDY DAUGHTER SWEETS DANCE
RENTALtheOPPORTUNITIES 16 Planning Perfect Baby Shower? Looking for the next epic Birthday Party location? We are here to help with a variety of facilities available for rent.
FORWARD 18 LOOKING A new year means a whole new season of fun. Take a peek at what's to come this Spring in Abilene.
633 WALNUT ABILENE, TX 79601 +1-325-676-6217 PARKSANDREC@ABILENETX.GOV WWW.MYABILENEPARKSANDREC.COM
A note from the Director
Welcome!
As the temperatures drop and we head into winter, we want to invite you to enjoy the beautiful scenery Abilene Parks & Recreation provides for the community. Lake Kirby Park has been a lovely spot to take Christmas card photos. Visit Everman Park and Minter Park in downtown Abilene to enjoy the dazzling seasonal decor such as lights, giant nutcrackers, and even Santa's sleigh. Special Events are happening throughout the next few months. "Get Hooked" on rainbow trout during our winter fishing event at Cal Young Park and whip up an excellent meal for the family with the Riverbank Rainbow Trout recipe. The annual Daddy-Daughter Dance features a brand new theme, Boots & Bows, and is sure to be a memorable evening. The Parks & Recreation Department wishes you a very Merry Christmas and hopes you will join DIRECTOR OF us in the New Year for opportunities to get out PARKS & RECREATION and discover your next adventure. Lesli Andrews
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WINTER EVENTS
Beyond the Land of Sweets
December 20th - 30th, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
Get Hooked January 12th - 26th
FEE: $65 per person Ages 6 to 13 Includes: Lunch, Snacks, Crafts, Gym Games, & more
FEE: FREE fun for the whole family
A lively seven-day Winter Break Camp at Cesar Chavez Recreation Center is taking inspiration from the cherished Nutcracker Ballet. Campers will travel the globe celebrating holiday traditions and sweets across cultures from Spain, Arabia, France, and more. Activities include creative art projects, energy-bursting gym games, and a special dive into preparing sweet treats inspired by each culture. No camp will be held on December 24th, 27th, or 31st to allow the campers and counselors time to celebrate their own cultural traditions and maybe try a few new ones they've learned as well.
Country Western Dance Lessons Thursdays, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A REEL opportunity to fish Rainbow Trout happens this winter at Cal Young Park. Whether you’re a first-time fisherman, teaching that favorite kiddo how to put a lure on a line, or a pro wanting to snag a few fish for the dinner table, this event is sure to please everyone. Over 1000 Rainbow Trout will be stocked prior to the event by Texas Parks & Wildlife. Capture a picture of you or your family while fishing and enter the Get Hooked Giveaways online at www.myabileneparksandrec.com where you could win fishing gear including new rods and tackle! Winners will be announced on January 27th.
Daddy Daughter Dance February 10th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
You’ll find influences from Europe, Africa, and even modifications for big western boots with spurs in each of the country-western dances hitting dance floors for generations. Take a spin and learn how to master the most popular styles including theTexas Two-Step and more in this 7-week class starting on January 13th. Each class is from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday evenings at Cobb Recreation Center and is available to couples or singles.
Dust off those boots and straighten that bow because it’s time for pictures, dancing, and memories at our annual Daddy Daughter Dance at the Abilene Convention Center. Doors open at 6:30 pm where guests will be ushered in to take professional pictures (picture packets are available) then head on to the dance floor and boot scoot and boogie the night away. Punch will be served throughout the evening. Tickets go on sale on January 1, 2022 and spots are limited.
FEE: $45 per couple, $33 single
FEE: $12 per person
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What's in a
NAME?
Mr. Arthur Sears was a long-time rancher and banker who dreamed of creating a park on the northwest side of Abilene in the early 1920s. Unfortunately, that dream did not become a reality during his lifetime due to the Great Depression. In 1947, Mrs. Sears donated eight lots of land to become the start of what is now Arthur Sears Park. In 1965, the City of Abilene granted $150,000 to build a recreation center for the community and Sears Park was the location everyone agreed upon. Sears Recreation Center was opened in March of 1966 and quickly became a hub of activity and fun for the community. In 1979, Cesar Chavez Recreation Center opened its doors to the community located near Locust Elementary School. It was an 11,500 square foot building with two craft rooms, a game room, a kitchen, and a furnished gymnasium. This center shared the love for recreation and bustled with Senior Services and after-school programs for over 30 years. In 2014 the Parks & Recreation Department sadly announced the need to close the facility due to severe foundation issues and the building was demolished in July of 2021.
In August of 2021, community leaders approached the Parks & Recreation Board about renaming Arthur Sears Park & the recreation center to Cesar Chavez. After much consideration, research, and discussion with the community and the Sears family; The Parks & Recreation Board decided the best option to honor the history of the park and the history of the Hispanic community was a compromise. On September 21, 2021, a unanimous vote renamed the recreation center to Cesar Chavez Recreation Center while retaining the name
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of the park as Arthur Sears Park.
G ET
HOOKED T
"Over one-thousand fish will be stocked at Cal Young Park "
here is a chill in the air and a hot cup of chocolate cradled between your gloves. Suddenly your bobber ducks underwater. You grab your rod and carefully reel in what you hope is the catch you've been waiting for all morning. A fish! Over one-thousand fish will be stocked at Cal Young Park leading up to the annual winter fishing event, Get Hooked, from Jan 12 - 26th. Anglers will have the opportunity to submit images online of their family fishing and win prizes, including bait and tackle! Winter fishing provides an exciting activity for anglers of all ages and experience levels to get outside and enjoy the chase of the catch. For over 40 years, Texas Parks & Wildlife have partnered with groups like Abilene Parks & Recreation to bring winter and Rainbow Trout fishing to the community.
You can recognize a trout by its beautiful and unique coloring. The back is a dark ridge that fades down to a white underbelly. A pinkish stripe sits in the middle of the body, and an array of dark speckled spots sprinkled all over.
Luckily, it doesn't take much to REEL in trout Did someone say trout for dinner? "Rainbow Trout love cold water, can be caught on a variety of baits and lures, and are great to take home and eat," said Texas Parks & Wildlife Department rainbow trout Program Director Carl Kittel. Luckily it doesn't take much to reel in a trout. Simple, lightweight tackle gear and primary bait such as worms, corn, or a variety of lures such as spinner, spoons, and flies. These are all perfect for catching tonight's healthy dinner option, Trout!
"Rainbow Trout love cold water and can be caught on a variety of baits and lures." These easy to catch fish make delicious meals and can be found on restaurant menus worldwide. Recipes, including the Parks & Rec favorite: Riverbank Rainbow Trout, can easily be found online. Get hooked and try your skill at winter fishing. Due to this fish's rarity in Texas, there is a daily bag limit of five trout. page | 12
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Capture a picture of you or your family while fishing and go to www.myabileneparksandrec.com to enter the Get Hooked Giveaways where you could win fishing gear, including new rods and tackle provided by our friends at Texas Parks and Wildlife! Winners will be announced on January 27th.
Enter to win: www.myabileneparksandrec.com In Texas, children under 17 fish for free, but a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement is required for adults in the family. For more information about the event, Get Hooked, and how to enter, visit our website.
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Senior Services
FOR ACTIVE ADULTS AGED 55+
WHERE AGE IS JUST A NUMBER
The City of Abilene Senior Services Division provides excellent recreational and social opportunities for senior citizens of Abilene and surrounding areas. Participants can enjoy a wide variety of activities and services which includes fitness classes, lunch programs, holiday celebrations, and more.
$ 2 LWUENECKHD AE YV E R Y
A nutritious lunch is served Monday through Friday. For those who are 60 and older, each meal will cost $2.00. For seniors who are under the age of 60, meals will cost $3.50 each. Please see online for the menu and schedule.
New activities every month! Find the monthly Senior Activity Guide and daily lunch menu online or pick up a copy at the center!
FOUR 04 LOCATIONS TO VISIT
Rose Park Senior Activity Center 2625 South 7th Street 325-734-5300 seniors@abilenetx.gov
Satellite Programs
Cesar Chavez Senior Program 2250 Ambler Avenue Cobb Senior Program 2302 State Street GV Daniels Senior Program 541 North 8th Street Find more information online at www.abilenetx.gov/seniors
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RENTAL INFORMATION
All rental fees including the deposit, hourly rate, and administration fees are due at the time of booking. For availability and details, visit our website at www.abilenetx.gov/signup
ACTIVITY BUILDINGS
Rose Park Activity Building max capacity: 60 Cobb Park Activity Building max capacity: 90 Kitchen, dining space, restrooms Kitchen has a stove/oven, refrigerator/freezer, and sink Tables and chairs to accommodate capacity Half-Day Rental $140 with a $100 deposit 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 5:00 pm - 12:00 am Full-Day Rental $180 with a $100 deposit 9:00 am - 12:00 am Rental times must include set-up and clean-up Deposit can be refundable pending clean-up AMPITHEATER
Rose Park Ampitheater rents for $50 all day and requires an additional $50 for the light key ADVENTURE COVE
Pete's Party Pavilion Rentals $200 for a two-hour block during business hours 30 complimentary tickets After Hours Rentals $700 for two hours, $300 for each additional hour includes up to 500 guests APPROVED BOUNCE HOUSE VENDORS
Jumps & Tents - 325.899.5550 Inflatable Joy - 325627.4421 ABC Tent & Party Rental - 325-793-9241
FESTIVAL GARDENS
Located at East South 11th and Loop 322 across from the Abilene Zoo, Festival Gardens features two covered pavilion areas, sand volleyball pit and net, basketball court, playground, restrooms, and three horseshoe/washer pits Half-Day rental fee is $120 with a $50 deposit 8:00 am - 3:00 pm 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm Full-Day rental fee is $230 with a $50 deposit Includes BBQ, stove/oven, refrigerator/sink, and sliding window to serve. NO indoor area, no air conditioning
PAVILIONS
We have 23 pavilions available for rent. Cost is $25 for each 4-hour time block 7:00 am - 11:00 am 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm PERMITS
Bounce House permits are $25 for a single day or event Vendor Permits are $30 per day or $50 per event RECREATION CENTERS
Only available Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 am 12:00 am. Each reservation requires 2 hours between events $35 per hour with a 2-hour minimum rental $100 deposit required and $5 administration fee Rental Times must include set up and clean-up Deposit can be refundable pending clean-up Cobb, Cesar Chavez, and G.V. Daniels each include use of gym, kitchen, and dining room Rose includes use of a gym and activity room - NO KITCHEN
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Coming this
spring Spring Break Camp March 14th - 18th
The Recreation Division presents - #Tok Camp - A deep dive into video production, cyber security, and the challenge of public speaking. Campers will explore choreography techniques and different stage lighting tricks all while tying these new experiences into the development of career paths for their future. We're using modern-day social media to inspire a generation of professionals ready to take on whatever life has to throw at them. Camp runs Monday - Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm at G.V. Daniels Recreation Center. FEE: $65 per person Ages 6 to 13 Includes: Lunch, Snacks, Crafts, Gym Games, & more
Steam-N-Wheels March 26th
We’re spinning wheels and chasing heels at the 2022 Steam-N-Wheels Bike Race held at SeaBee Park on Ft. Phantom Lake. Experience the burn on our 48-mile competitive race, pack a punch on our 28-mile course, or break a sweat on our 11-mile ride. Cost is $35 per cyclist and the first 100 riders that register will receive a complimentary t-shirt and swag bag. Packet pickup will be available on March 25th between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at 633 Walnut Street or the race day at SeaBee Park beginning at 8:00 am. FEE: $35 per cyclist Ages 12+
Parks & Recreation ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Director of Parks & Recreation Lesli Andrews Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Chris Gibson Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation Richard Rodgers Parks Division Manager Jesus Coronado Recreation Division Manager Ann Hall Seniors & Aquatics Division Manager Bobby Brown Custodial Division Manager Josiah Nash Multimedia Jennifer Pacheco PARKS & RECREATION BOARD David Pittman, Chair Marc Orner Gary Grubbs Leigh Black Jeff Goodin Michael Homer, Jr. Robyn Wertheim SENIOR ADVISORY BOARD Leroy King Cynthia Cooke Harriet Conner Sylvia Herrera Maxine Williams Johnny Whisenhunt Dorothy Drone Sydnye Moore Monroe Nevells Joe Lopez ASSOCIATIONS The City of Abilene Parks & Recreation Department is a proud member of the following organizations:
National Recreation & Park Association Texas Recreation & Park Society Texas Association on Aging Program Texas Amateur Athletic Federation Texas Public Pool Council
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Registration Info Register 24/7 on our website www.abilenetx.gov/signup. Registration is also accepted in person at the Parks & Recreation Administration office. For questions about the registration process or any of our events, please call 325-676-6217. Online registration is payable by credit card only. In-person registration is payable by credit card, cash, or check made out to the "City of Abilene". A charge will be assessed on all returned checks. Registration is not available over the phone. .
Waiting Lists If an event or camp is full, your name can be placed on a waiting list. This does not guarantee a spot, but individuals will be contacted if one becomes available.
Cancellations & Withdrawals If an event is canceled Parks & Recreation will make an announcement as soon as possible. A customer must contact the Parks & Recreation office to discuss withdrawal from a program or class.
Active Account
Refunds
An account with a valid email and telephone number is required to register for any class, camp, or program. Please call the Parks & Recreation office if you are having any trouble.
If granted, refunds can take from two weeks to one month to process. Cash or Check will be issued a check by the City of Abilene and mailed. Credit Card purchases are refunded to the original card.
The City of Abilene Parks & Recreation 633 Walnut, Abilene, TX 79601 | +1-325-676-6217
www.myabileneparksandrec.com