Schertz Parks & Recreation FUN Guide - Fall 2023 / Winter 2024

THREE WAYS TO REGISTER

Registration is first come, first served. Online registration is your best opportunity for getting into the program of your choice or reserving a pavilion.

1. ONLINE

When enrolling online, please sign in to CivicRec. Scan the QR Code or go to Schertz.com/CivicRec to create an account and register.

2. WALK-IN

Parks and Recreation Administration Office 10 Commercial Place, Building #1 Schertz, TX 78154

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

3. PHONE-IN (210) 619-1850

Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FALL 2023 / WINTER 2024

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT STAFF

Administration

10 Commercial Place, Bldg #1 Schertz, TX 78154 (210) 619-1850

Lauren Shrum Director lshrum@schertz.com

Jared Montney Parks Manager jmontney@schertz.com

Robert Dobratz Parks Maintenance Crew Supervisor rdobratz@schertz.com

Cassie Paddock Recreation Manager cpaddock@schertz.com

Sydney Paredes Recreation Coordinator sparedes@schertz.com

Kathryn Scheel Recreation Specialist kscheel@schertz.com

Lexis Michael Administrative Assistant lmichael@schertz.com

PARKS & RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

Johnie McDow Chair

William Bosch Member

Regina Agee Member

Sally Macias Member

Floy Simmons Member

Robert Sheridan III Member

Carol Yauger Member

James Garvin Member

Shawn Moore Member

Jamie Acevedo Alternate Member

Brad Snow Alternate Member

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board exists to advise and make recommendations to the City Council concerning policy matters related to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the City’s parks and recreation programs. The Board meets on the fourth Monday of every month at City Hall in the Bob Andrews Conference Room, located at 1400 Schertz Parkway.

PHOTO RELEASE

The Schertz Parks & Recreation Department may videotape or take photographs of participants enrolled in recreation activities, programs, and special events. These photos and/or videotapes may be used for promotional purposes.

VISIT SCHERTZ.COM

3

PAWS IN THE POOL

Sept. 9

Pickrell Park Pool

See page 4

ED-ZOO-CATION

Sept. 16

Crescent Bend Nature Park

See page 6

SCHERTZ YOUNG LEADERS

Applications open

August 1

See page 7

HOLIDAZZLE

December 2 | Multiple Locations | Times Vary

See page 5

YOUTH SPORTS

BVYA & SYSA

See page 9

SPECIAL EVENTS

PAWS IN THE POOL

September 9 | $3 per person | Pickrell Park Pool

The dog days of summer are still hanging on so it's time to get your pup's paws in the pool and cool off! All dogs must be on leash outside the pool facility and wear a collar they can swim in. All humans must show proof of the dog’s up to date rabies vaccinations at the gate and clean up after their dog.

Session 1 12 p.m.

Session 2 2 p.m.

DUNKIN FOR PUMPKINS

October 7 | FREE | Schertz Aquatic Center

Are you ready to dive into a floating pumpkin patch? Join us at Dunkin’ for Pumpkins where participants can choose their own pumpkin out of the pool to paint and take home. Please note all children 6 and under will be required to be accompanied by an adult in the water.

Session 1 4 p.m.

Session 2 4:40 p.m.

Session 3 5:20 p.m.

Registration is limited, so go to ymcasatx.org/Schertz to reserve your spot today!

MUSIC & MOVIES IN THE PARK: HOCUS POCUS

October 20 | 7 p.m. | FREE | Rhine Valley Park

Each year the Music and Movies in the Park series showcases movie events at area parks. We encourage everyone to bring lawn chairs, refreshments, friends, and neighbors out for a free night of entertainment. Activities begin at 7 p.m. and the movie will begin when it gets dark. The 2023 Series is sponsored by The Crossvine and H-E-B.

DECK THE CITY HALL

November 30 | 6 p.m. | FREE | City Hall

Come out and join us for the annual tree lighting at City Hall on Thursday, November 30 at 6 p.m. In addition to the traditional Holiday tree lighting, we will be lighting the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex! Enjoy the night with music, hot cocoa, and light snacks.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

December 2 | $10 per person | Schertz Civic Center

Don’t miss your chance to eat some yummy pancakes and visit with Santa Claus himself! Enjoy a delicious breakfast complete with pancakes, sausage, milk, and juice. Once everyone has been served, Santa Claus will join the party to visit and take photos with everyone. Children 2 and under are free. Session capacity is limited so make sure to sign up early!

Session 1 8 a.m.

Session 2 9:30 a.m.

Session 3 11 a.m.

HOLIDAZZLE

December 2 | Multiple Locations | Times Vary

Get in the festive spirit with a full day of activities at Holidazzle! Start your day off by eating breakfast with Santa at the Schertz Civic Center then mosey on over across the hall to the Kris Kringle Market to get your holiday shopping done from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Next, Holiday Hoopla opens up at the McDow sports complex at 4 p.m. with snow play areas, Mt. Schertz snow hill, and other holiday activities. Santa Claus will be present for kiddos to get in their last-minute requests. Finally, end your night by being dazzled at the Festival of Angels lighted night parade at 6 p.m. through Schertz.

POLAR BEAR PLUNGE

January 6 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | $20 per person| Pickrell Park Pool

Take the plunge into the new year with Schertz Parks & Recreation and the Schertz Family YMCA at the Cold for a Cause Polar Bear Plunge. After the plunge, this family-friendly event includes s’mores and hot chocolate to warm you up. Also, make sure to cozy up by the fire pit! Funds raised from this event help make it possible for children, families, seniors, neighbors, and others to benefit from Y programs and memberships, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Register online at ymcasatx.org/polarbearplunge

DADDY/DAUGHTER AND MOTHER/SON DANCE

February 3 | Cost: $18 adult/ $12 child | Schertz Civic Center

Enjoy a magical night dancing in a winter wonderland with your special little girl or boy at the Daddy/Daughter & Mother/Son dances. This event is open to all families and focuses on the importance of quality time. Tickets are presale only from December 1 – February 2 while supplies last. Adult tickets are $18 and child tickets are $12. Space is limited and tickets will not be sold at the door.

Mother/Son Dance 4 - 6 p.m.

Daddy/Daughter Dance: 7 - 9 p.m.

NATURE EDUCATION

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

Second Saturday of the month | 9:30 – 11 a.m. | FREE |

Crescent Bend Nature Park

Get your little ones outdoors to discover the exciting nature right in our own backyard. Kids are encouraged to explore, discover, and ask questions to help grow their knowledge of nature. This FREE program is designed for families with elementary-aged children, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will lead the themed programs on the second Saturday of the month.

Date

Theme

Saturday, Sept. 9 Discover the World of Insects

Saturday, Oct. 14 Discover Early Texans

Saturday, Nov. 11 Discover Horns and Thorns

Register at Schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

ED-ZOO-CATION IN THE PARK

Saturday, September 16 | 10 a.m. | FREE |

Crescent Bend Nature Park

San Antonio Zoo Center for Conservation and Research has selected Crescent Bend Nature Park as a harvesting location to help feed their Texas Horn Lizards. Learn about the Texas Horned Lizards, carpenter ants, the history of the animals, and their importance. If this program is not already cool enough, there is also an opportunity for appearances of live animals/lizards from the zoo!

Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

STAR PARTY

October 28 | 7 p.m. | FREE | Crescent Bend Nature Park

Join us for an evening under the stars, hosted in conjunction with the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Members of SAAA will provide telescopes for viewing the constellations, stars, and wonders of the night sky. Chairs and blankets welcome.

Pre-register for the FREE event at Schertz.com/ civicrec

OWL PROWL

August 27 & September 24 | 8:30 p.m. | FREE |

Crescent Bend Nature Park

Come experience this fun adventure, discovering the wealth of nature and much more! Master Naturalists will lead a one-mile hike through Crescent Bend, sharing information about the park and its natural environment, and speak on the night life of many critters and creatures that live out in the park.

Register at Schertz.com. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

WALK WITH A NATURALIST

October 22 & November 26 | 3:30 p.m. | FREE |

Crescent Bend Nature Park

Join the Guadalupe Master Naturalist as they host a walk through Crescent Bend Nature Park. Inspired by the interests and observations of those who attend, they will expand one's knowledge on all types of nature from soil, plants, insects, mammals and birds, talking about their dependence, interaction, and place in preserving the nature around us.

SCHERTZ YOUNG LEADERS

SCHERTZ PARKS AND RECREATION IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE SECOND YEAR OF THE SCHERTZ YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAM.

High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors that live in Schertz or attend SCUCISD are invited to apply to learn about their community and develop key leadership skills in this eight-month program. Students will hear from area leaders, tour facilities such as the Randolph Air Force Base, and get a closer look behind the scenes of how a city operates.

Schertz Young Leaders consists of six (6) mandatory school-day sessions, all of which begin at 9:15 a.m. and end approximately at 3:15 p.m. as well as an evening graduation in May. Each session will be focused on a particular topic pertaining to the community and will also promote personal growth. Students will hear from and interact with community leaders, tour facilities, and complete a class project. Also required is attendance to one (1) Schertz City Council Meeting, one (1) volunteer event, and one (1) SCUCISD Board Meeting.

Applications open August 1 and close on September 15. Learn more or apply online at Schertz.com/youngleaders.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE*

Date

October 19 Retreat

Program

November 7 City Council Meeting

November 9 Leadership & Personality Styles

December 2 Holidazzle Volunteer

January 16 School Board Meeting

January 18 Education & Peak Performance

February 22 Local Government & Emotional Intelligence

March 21 Community Businesses & Communication

April 18 JBSA Randolph & Leadership Mindset

May 8 Graduation

*Schedule is subject to change

2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR GRADES 9-12

SCHERTZ.COM/YOUNGLEADERS

QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHOOL

SCUCISD grants co-curricular excused absences for any student participating in the Schertz Young Leaders program as well as transportation from school if needed. For other schools, City staff will reach out to administration about getting excused absences approved and may help with transportation if needed.

Attendance is mandatory for graduation of the program. One (1) excused absence may be permitted pending notification and acceptance by the City of Schertz staff representative, on a case-by-case basis.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

FALL KICKBALL LEAGUE

September 10 – October 15 | $25 per person | Age 18+ | Thulemeyer Park

The game you loved to play in 3rd grade is back and better than you remember it. Take the field in this fun classic game with 5 regular season games and end of season playoff tournament for top teams. Games are played on Sunday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration opens on July 17 and includes a team t-shirt.

FALL CORNHOLE LEAGUE

September 5 – October 10 | $20 per person | Age 18+ | Pickrell Park

Make your weekday feel like a weekend by playing in our 5 regular season games and end of season playoff tournament for top teams. Games are played on Tuesday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration opens on July 17 and includes a team t-shirt.

PICKLEBALL PLAY

September 5 – November 28 | FREE | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Pickrell Park Large Pavilion

Pickleball is fun for players of all ages and skill levels. The sport incorporates elements of badminton, tennis, and ping pong. Join in on our open play sessions!

• Fall

YOUTH SPORTS

BUFFALO VALLEY YOUTH ASSOCIATION

(210) 659-1610

bvya.com

bvya@att.net

– Baseball Co-ed 6 – 13 years

– Softball Girls Ages 6 – 13 years

– Volleyball 3rd – 7th grade

– Basketball Pre-K – 8th grade

SCHERTZ

YOUTH SOCCER ALLIANCE

schertzsoccercomplex.org

scheduler@schertzsoccercomplex.org

GRAYSA

(GREATER RANDOLPH YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION)

graysasoccer.org

• Spring/Fall Soccer 3 – 19 years

• $125, uniform included

• GRAYSA mostly a gender specific Recreational League

ARSENAL FC

(TRY OUT BASIS)

arsenalfcsa.org | (210) 789-0717

• ARSENAL FC Academy $900 one-year commitment

• ARSENAL FC Select $1,500

LIONS FUTBALL CLUB

lionsfc.org

• Cubs Plus Program 4 – 5 yr olds

• Academy Program 6 – 9 yr olds

• Select Program 10 – 18 yr olds (Try out basis)

PARK DEVELOPMENT

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK SPLASHPAD IS OPEN!

Splish Splash! We’re having a blast! The new splash pad at Wendy Swan Memorial Park is now officially open daily starting August 1 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be open through October 31 (weather permitting).

Along with the completion of the splash pad, many other park improvements and additions were made. New sod has been installed in the park and all irrigation systems have been repaired. New trees have been planted around the park to beautify the area, a new swing set with integrated shade was installed, and the basketball courts got a fresh coat of paint with new goals installed. Pickleball players will be happy to hear that pickleball court lines were also added to allow for multiple uses. New fencing was installed, the pavilion and building received a fresh coat of paint, and fun artistic touches will be added to the sidewalks around the park as we finish repairing damaged sections. In order to bring them into compliance for accessibility standards, the restrooms needed

to be renovated. Park restrooms are still under construction so a temporary restroom trailer is in place until construction is complete. A new water fountain with bottle filler will also be added to the exterior wall of the facility.

Next season the splash pad will open the Friday before Spring Break (weather permitting) and remain open until October 31. We are excited to see the community enjoy this great new feature in our park system!

DRY COMAL CREEK TRAIL

Some exciting opportunities have presented themselves along the Dry Comal Creek Trail corridor. City staff worked with the Great Springs Project to acquire a 10.5-acre future trailhead site for the city’s Dry Comal Creek Trail, the Great Springs Trail, and the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail – 3 interests that all overlap in this area! The city also was awarded a $300,000 Recreational Trails Grant from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department to develop the site. Stay tuned for more information on a groundbreaking event to come in late Fall!

PARK PAVILION RENTALS

Perfect for your next big celebration! For those interested in reserving a pavilion, please review our reservation information below. To see the calendar of availability and make your reservation please visit our website at Schertz.com/CivicRec to create a CivicREC account. Contact the main Parks & Recreation Office at (210) 619-1850 if you need assistance setting up your account.

CIVIC AND COMMUNITY CENTERS

The Schertz Civic and Community Centers are your resource for outstanding rental facilities for any type of event. Whether you are hosting a wedding reception, business expo or meeting, the Schertz Civic Center is the optimal location for your special event. Superior customer service and competitive pricing are all a part of the fantastic experience you will enjoy when you book your event with us. Three impressive facilities are available to choose from: Civic Center, Community Center and North Center.

SCHERTZ CIVIC CENTER

(210) 619-1600

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg 5, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/rentalfacilities

AMENITIES

With more than 10,000 sq. of combined meeting space, this premier event facility has features and services designed to accommodate groups from 10400. Guests will enjoy a state-of-the-art facility that is conveniently located just off of IH-35 between Austin and San Antonio. Versatility and outstanding customer service is what sets the Schertz Civic Center apart from other facilities.

SCHERTZ COMMUNITY CENTER

(210) 619-1600

1400 Schertz Pkwy, Bldg 3, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/rentalfacilities

AMENITIES

The Community Center has a true recreational feel – sport court floor, tall ceilings and kitchen with pass-through service. This facility houses some of our new recreation programming and is also available to rent out.

SCHERTZ NORTH CENTER

(210) 619-1600

3501 Morning Dr, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/rentalfacilities

AMENITIES

The North Center, located in Northern Schertz, accommodates small gatherings and has stained concrete flooring, a partial kitchen and portable audiovisual services. This facility houses some of our new recreation programming and is also available to rent out.

RECREATION FACILITIES

SCHERTZ AREA SENIOR CENTER

(210) 619-1970

608 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/Seniors

Hours of Operations:

Monday -Thursday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FREE LUNCH PROGRAM

The City of Schertz offers a free lunch program at the Center Monday – Friday from 11:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m. (excluding city holidays). Call the Schertz Area Senior Center for more information at (210) 619-1970.

MEMBERSHIP

The Senior Center is open to new guests and members over the age of 50. Memberships dues are $36.00 per year and include ALL of the following activities plus more: art classes, aqua aerobics, bingo, bunco, chair volleyball, choir, dominoes, gardening, health screenings, pickleball, technology classes, wii bowling, yoga, and zumba.

SCHERTZ RECREATION CENTER

(210) 619-1900

621 Westchester, Schertz, TX 78154

Ymcasatx.org/schertz

Hours of Operations:

Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 - 5 p.m.

AMENITIES

Membership to the Schertz Family YMCA includes access to all branches in the San Antonio Association as well as Nationwide. Our Schertz facility includes: the Recreation Center, Aquatic Center, and the Splash Pad plus ALL of the following activities & amenities: 6,000 sq. ft. Basketball Gym, 8,000 sq. ft. Cardio & Fitness Area, Child Watch, Competition Quality Pool, Leisure Pool, Kid Fit, Group Exercise Classes, Lockers & Showers, Spin Studio, 1,000 sq. ft. Splash Pad, and Water Rowing Machines.

SCHERTZ AQUATIC CENTER

(210) 619-1900

560 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX 78154

Ymcasatx.org/schertz/swimming

Hours of Operations:

Monday – Thursday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Friday: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

*hours are subject to change

PROGRAMS

YMCA offers a plethora of programs for all. From group lessons, private lessons, pre swim team, and a year-round USA swim team.

LIBRARY

(210) 619-1700

798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154 schertzlibrary.org

Hours of Operations: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 6 p.m.

The Schertz Public Library promotes the love of reading and the joy of discovery for persons of all ages, provides information and learning resources in a variety of formats for both education and leisure, and supports our customers in their life-long learning pursuits.

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH THE SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY

What’s the number one tool for back to school? Your library card, of course! The Schertz Public Library offers several free resources that can assist parents and students throughout the school year.

The key resource featured in this guide is Brainfuse HelpNow, the library’s all-in-one suite of tutoring services. While Brainfuse holds a vast offering of academic tools, the library has other resources and services available that will help students have a successful school year. The TexShare Databases provide access to over 27,000 journals, over 171,000 ebooks, and over 15 million images, videos, and interactive resources. These electronic databases are powerful research tools available 24 hours a day in the homes or offices of registered patrons of participating Texas libraries.

WIRELESS PRINTING @ THE LIBRARY

Don’t have a printer at home? Do you need to print something for school, but your printer ran out of ink? The Schertz Public Library provides wireless printing from laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Using one of three methods, patrons can send documents to the library printer from their own device for retrieval. To pick up your document, go to the Print Release Terminal in the library within 24 hours. If the document is not picked up within 24 hours, you may need to send your print job again.

For more details on wireless printing, visit schertzlibrary.org, Services for You tab.

In addition to electronic resources, the library offers several services that may be beneficial to parents and students. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) can be used to get materials from other libraries that students may need for their studies. Mobile hot spots that provide an unlimited high-speed internet connection for computers, tablets, and phones can be checked out for two weeks at a time. Additionally, students can utilize study rooms inside the library to study independently or to collaborate with classmates.

The library looks forward to helping students achieve their academic goals this 2023-2024 school year!

Brainfuse HelpNow is an all-in-one suite of tutoring services designed for a wide range of academic needs whether it’s tackling a tough homework problem, mastering a particular topic, or writing a paper. HelpNow services include expert academic tutoring and self-study tools to empower users to study at their own pace or collaborate with peers and teachers. All you need is a library card for free access to an abundance of online academic assistance.

BRAINFUSE EXPERT HELP

Whether students need help with an assignment or need to master an academic skill, live online tutoring help from expert tutors is available every day from 2 – 11 p.m. CDT. Brainfuse also offers an online writing lab designed to help students become better writers. The 24-Hour Writing Lab allows students to upload a paper to be evaluated by writing specialists using a customized rubric. Live tutors are available for those looking for immediate feedback.

BRAINFUSE STUDY

Brainfuse also provides a selection of academic tools that students can use in their studies. LEAP Learning Platform is a diagnostic test center with customized study plans, lessons, and live tutoring to help students achieve their academic goals. Another study feature available is Flashbulb™ which allows students to utilize an extensive library of flashcards in hundreds of subjects or create your own for effective self-study.

BRAINFUSE COLLABORATE

MEET is a collaboration tool that lets users schedule live study group sessions with friends, instructors, or classmates in a virtual study room. This is a great way to hold virtual study groups or group collaboration sessions for assignments or projects. Brainwave is another specialized feature on the Brainfuse platform. Brainwave is a recording of your activity on the Brainwave Notepad. Everything you do on the notepad can be played back like a movie. This is a particularly useful tool when conveying complex ideas that involve sequence, motion, and process.

For more information or to get started with the BrainFuse HelpNow platform visit schertzlibrary.org, Research & E-Learning tab.

For more information on any of the events of programs mentioned, please visit schertzlibrary.org

WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHERTZ

SCHERTZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHERTZ