The New Year is here, and we at Grapevine Parks and Recreation are excited to dive into 2025 with energy, gratitude, and big dreams for the year ahead!
Looking back on 2024, we’re filled with pride for all we accomplished together. From unforgettable events to the daily efforts that keep our parks and programs thriving, it’s the passion of our team and the support of our community that make it all possible
Here’s to a bright and exciting 2025! We can’t wait to create more memories, foster new connections, and continue making Grapevine a place we’re all proud to call home Let’s make this year extraordinary together!
ECHOES FROM THE LEADERS:
REFLECTIONS FROM OUR DIRECTORS
Welcome 2025! I hope you all had the chance to enjoy quality time with family and friends over the holidays As we enter the new year, I’m excited about all that 2025 holds for our Parks and Recreation Department
Serving as Director is a privilege, allowing me to continue the traditions and great work of this incredible team Together, we create experiences that profoundly impact our community, ignite passions, and open doors to opportunities people may have never had before
Through our efforts, we also foster a love for the natural environment, provide safe spaces for lifelong activities, and drive economic impact by partnering with the CVB and others to host tournaments, events, and camping opportunities
I’m inspired daily by the knowledge, dedication, and unique talents each of you bring to this Department. Thank you for your hard work and commitment you make a lasting difference. Let’s continue striving for greatness together in 2025!
The start of a new year is a perfect time for reflection, and I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to serve as Deputy Director for such an incredible team
What I love most about my role is collaborating with a group of dedicated, creative, and passionate individuals who share a common goal: enhancing our community’s quality of life. Everyday, I’m inspired by your commitment to excellence, innovative ideas, and the care you pour into our parks, programs, and services. Your hard work leaves a lasting impact throughout Grapevine and beyond.
As we step into 2025, I’m excited to build on our successes, embrace new opportunities, and continue striving for excellence in serving our community I’m honored to be part of the GoGrapevine team and can’t wait to see what we accomplish together
Let’s make this year one to remember!
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Matt Criner is the Supervisor for Therapeutic Recreation, bringing energy and dedication to enhancing lives through recreation. A proud family man, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Stephanie, their daughters, Elise and Isabelle, and their beloved dog, Bongo the "best dog in Grapevine."
An outdoors enthusiast, Matt loves fishing, exercising, and practicing wrestling and jiujitsu A BBQ lover and frequent Bass Pro Shops customer, he fully embraces the Texas lifestyle His motto, "Don't suck, be good," reflects his positive and hardworking approach, and his adventurous spirit shines through in experiences like running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain
A fan of The Office and a team player at heart, Matt is thrilled to work for Grapevine Parks and Recreation, calling it "the best city in Texas "
Meet Andrea Tredaway, our Athletics & Hospitality rea thrives on teamwork and the dynamic t Grapevine Parks & Recreation She ong connections she’s built with her team every day brings something new
o Chad and mom to four kids Tanner, , and Rea Andrea stays busy cheering baseball games and discovering her new g for her backyard chickens, Fancy, arge Marge. She’s also a dog mom to
breakfast food, early morning workouts, Friends or Survivor A natural competitor, any game or sport Fun fact: she once had an Ryan and competed in piano for five
have Andrea’s energy and dedication on ing every day a little brighter!
THE APPLAUSE LINE
TEAM TO TEAM APPRECIATION
I want to give a big shout-out to Justin Jorden for his help with the TV issues we’ve been experiencing over at the REC. He’s always willing to assist with anything I need, and his support is truly appreciated! - Jennifer Kashner
Thank you, Mariah and Stephanie!
Mariah, congratulations on a successful Winter Camp! Your passion for the kids and the program is truly inspiring. In such a short time, you’ve made it your own and created something special. I’m excited to see what you achieve with the Spring and Summer camps—keep up the fantastic work!
Stephanie, thank you for being such an amazing partner this past year. I’ve learned so much from you, and your support has been invaluable Together, we’ve accomplished great things with the Fitness program, and I look forward to building on that success in 2025!
Thank you both for all that you do - Joseph Solis
A big shoutout to Dawn and Stephanie for stepping up and assisting with reservations during the staff transition period! Your help in managing the hundreds of phone calls and emails pouring in every week with rental inquiries was invaluable This all happened during the busiest time of year for the Community Events team, and we truly couldn’t have done it without you You both rock!Erin Burke
Big congratulations to Mariah for successfully hosting her first Winter REC Camp! Her thoughtful planning and attention to detail made the campers' Christmas break extra fun and memorable. Great job Mariah! - Jennifer Kashner
I want to give a big shoutout to Megan, Andrew, and Sherard for stepping up and covering during the holidays, allowing me to spend time with my new grandson for his first Christmas! Your support means so much thank you! - Dawn Parry
4
THE APPLAUSE LINE II
TEAM TO TEAM APPRECIATION
Thank you to Mariah W. and her team!
My son attended both weeks of Winter Camp for the first time, and I wanted to share how much he loved it! He’s been apprehensive about day camps in the past we’ve tried a few with the YMCA but he absolutely loved his time at the REC
The counselors and staff were fantastic
Kudos to you and your team for doing such a great job! - Matt Feryan
A big shoutout to Morgan, Taylor, Randy, Tony, JO, Justin, and the entire Parks Team for their incredible support with all the CCOT events! Despite being thrown many curveballs this year, you delivered a stellar product that our community absolutely loved.
From pre-recording announcements and managing all aspects of event sound to implementing an amazing snow and sparks show and so much more you were a tremendous asset to Community Events Thank you for all that you do! – Erin Burke
A heartfelt thank you before I move,
My time at The Rec has been nothing short of amazing, thanks to the incredible people I’ve met along the way Emily has played a huge role in my journey, helping me build confidence. Shannon is truly one of a kind, her humility and genuine care for everyone are unmatched.
Beyond that, I’ve made so many friends here, transforming this place into more than just a spot to stay active The Rec has truly become a community that holds a special place in my heart
Cecilia Fernandez - Former Lead Lifeguard
April Rogers
It is hard to say that our Marketing wizard, April Rogers, will be leaving at the end of January to start an exciting new chapter at Texas A&M University in Fort Worth
April has been the driving energy that transformed our vision into reality From curating the look and feel of our initiatives to crafting the compelling messages you see daily, her touch is imprinted on all aspects of our public presence She has been instrumental in shaping everything you see from Grapevine Parks and Rec our social media, Go Grapevine Magazine, and the GoGrapevine website Her creative touch and dedication have made a huge impact, and we can't thank her enough for all she's done
Thank you, April, for everything you've done to elevate Grapevine Parks and Recreation Your legacy will continue to inspire us!
Andrea Tredaway
Myke Waller
Zane Boldt
D E P A R T M E N T H I G H L I G H T S
P A R K & R E C R E A T
As we look back on the h reminded of the incredibl scenes that made it all po and festive cheer that tra Christmas Capital of Tex the hardworking Parks & affectionately known as t
Their efforts began long b continue even now. Once down, they immediately s preparing for an even mo ahead. From stringing ev decorations shone bright tireless work kept Grapev holiday spirit.
We’d like to recognize Je Sean, and Jonas for thei craftsmanship, and dedic heart of what makes Grap unforgettable year after y
Thank you to our Parks & for keeping the spirit of C Grapevine!
1/18 Daddy Daughter Dance 1/20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2/5 Hydration Heroes: Water-wise Plants
