Schertz Parks & Recreation Spring 2023 FUN Guide

EASY WAYS TO REGISTER FOR PARKS & REC PROGRAMMING

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.

SPRING 2023

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

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 bi-monthly on the fourth Monday of the 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

KICK CANCER 5K

March 4

9 a.m.

Pickrell Park

See page 5

MOVIN ON MAIN

April 2

12-4 p.m.

Main Street

See page 5

DARK SKIES & FIREFLIES

May 20

7 p.m.

Crescent Bend Nature Park

See page 6

SPRING KICKBALL LEAGUE

April 16 – May 21

6-10 p.m.

Thulemeyer Park

See page 7

PICKLEBALL PLAY

April 5 – May 31

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Pickrell Park

See page 7

SPECIAL EVENTS

KICK CANCER 5K

Saturday, March 4 | Entry fee: $35 | 9 a.m. | Pickrell Park Check-in/Registration begins @ 8:00 a.m. Welcome/Warm-up begins @ 8:30 a.m. Walk/Run begins @ 9:00 a.m.

Pricing: 1K Run- $20 | 5K Run- $35 | Signs of Love- $20

Join us in the Kick Cancer Pep Rally and 5K Run, formerly the Wilenchik Walk for Life, on Saturday, March 4 as the community comes together to rally in support of the many cancer research programs of the UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center. Kick Cancer will allow participants to celebrate cancer research, remember family members lost to cancer, and honor those still fighting. Registered participants will receive a custom race medal, event t-shirt, race bib if registered by February 20. Registration will remain open through March 4 (race t-shirts are not guaranteed). Sponsors are welcome.

Register for the event at Schertz.com/kickcancer. If you are interested in sponsoring the Kick Cancer Pep Rally & Run, please call (210) 619-1850.

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA

Friday, March 24 | FREE | Schertz Aquatic Center

Session 1: 5:30 p.m. | Session 2: 6:15 p.m. | Session 3: 7 p.m.

We are partnering with the YMCA for our annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Schertz Aquatic Center! Bring your swimsuit and towels, because this egg search is in the pool. Hunt your eggs, then turn them in for a goodie bag! In addition, local businesses will be on the splash pad for activities, food vendors will be present and so much more.

Registration opens February 10 at ymcasatx.org/schertz

MOVIN ON MAIN

Sunday, April 2 | FREE | 12-4 p.m. | Main Street

In partnership with the Schertz Family Y, Movin on Main invites guests for a day of walking, riding, strolling, and learning in a safe, car-free environment. Enjoy a variety of fun with healthy activities along the enclosed Main Street route, to include fitness class demonstrations and various local health and wellness vendors offering giveaways and educational materials. Several food and refreshment stations will be available to fuel your appetite and energize you for a day of highenergy excitement.

To volunteer or register as a vendor, please visit Schertz.com/movinonmain. Registration opens February 1.

NATURE EDUCATION

NATURE DISCOVERY SERIES

Second Saturday of the Month | FREE | 10 – 11 a.m. | 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 the second Saturday of the month, 10 a.m. at Crescent Bend Nature Park. Pre-registration is required, register at Schertz.com/CivicRec. Meet at the first parking lot near the restroom building and trailhead.

Date Theme

Saturday, February 11 Recycling and Preserving Water

Saturday, March 11 Discover Rocks

Saturday, April 8 Discover What’s Flying

Saturday, May 13 Discover What’s Swimming

Saturday, June 10 Discover the Forest

Saturday, July 8 Discover Clues and Traces

Saturday, Sept. 9 Discover the World of Insects

Saturday, Oct. 14 Discover Early Texans

Saturday, Nov. 11 Discover Horns and Thorns

STAR PARTY

Saturday, March 25 | FREE | 7 p.m. | Crescent Bend Nature Park

Join us at Crescent Bend Nature Park 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. Pre-register for the FREE event on CivicRec. Chairs and blankets welcome.

DARK SKIES AND FIREFLIES

Saturday, May 20 | FREE | 7 p.m. | Crescent Bend Nature Park Local Firefly Expert and founder of Firefly Conservation & Research, Ben Pfeiffer, is partnering with Schertz Parks and Recreation for the third year to provide a great fun and educational program for all ages. This program will offer firefly education and a chance to explore and how to carefully catch local fireflies. Don’t forget to bring a chair and a butterfly net.

ED-ZOO-CATION IN THE PARK

Saturdays, April 22 | June 17 | September 16| FREE | 10 a.m. | 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 trail head.

To pre-register for any of these events, go to Schertz.com/CivicRec.

RECREATION PROGRAMS

SPRING KICKBALL LEAGUE

April 16 – May 21 | $25 per person | Age 21+ | 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 all teams. Games are played on Sunday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration opens on February 1 and includes a team t-shirt.

SPRING CORNHOLE LEAGUE

April 18– May 23 | $20 per person | Age 21+ | Pickrell Park

Make your weekday feel like a weekend by playing in our 5 regular season games and end of season playoff tournament for all teams. Games are played on Tuesday nights from 6 to 10 p.m. Sign up with a teammate or individuals can be placed on a team. Registration opens on February 1 and includes a team t-shirt.

PICKLEBALL PLAY

April 5 – May 31 | 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 an instructed lesson the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and follow up during the succeeding Wednesdays to apply what you learned in open play sessions!

PARK DEVELOPMENT

SCHERTZ AREA SENIOR CENTER GARDEN ADDITION

ON SCHEDULE The membership of the Senior Center has been fundraising for several years to build a special garden addition with a memorial wall in the shape of a tree. The initial idea for the project was developed before the COVID-19 pandemic, so the project is back on track now that many members have returned to the center. The memorial wall will honor those

who have contributed significantly to the center over the years and the garden addition will be utilized to grow more plants and vegetables, and even includes a small fruit orchard. The planting boxes are designed to be inclusive and accessible for wheelchair users and seniors who need to sit and garden. The concept plan has been approved by the Senior Center Advisory Board and the landscape architect is now working on the final building plans. Stay tuned for the construction schedule!

Schertz Senior Center Planting Beds - Concept Layout November 17, 2022 City of Schertz

WENDY SWAN MEMORIAL PARK SPLASH PAD

COMING SOON Construction has been ongoing this winter and is scheduled for completion in February. Restroom repairs, irrigation repairs, and sidewalk additions are still underway. A new swing set with integrated shade is also pending installation in early spring. Stay tuned for information on the Grand Opening Celebration in late Spring of 2023!

CYPRESS POINT PARK SHADE STRUCTURE

COMING SOON Some much-needed shade is being added to Cypress Point Park courtesy of grant funding from the San Antonio Council on Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council (SACADA.) City staff is finalizing the memorandum of understanding and hoping to construct the amenities this summer!

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.

*Reach out to Buffalo Valley Youth Association for rental details **Reach out to Schertz Youth Soccer Allliance for rental details

YOUTH SPORTS

BUFFALO VALLEY YOUTH ASSOCIATION

(210) 659-1610

bvya.com

bvya@att.net

The Buffalo Valley Youth Association (BVYA) is dedicated to serving the youth of Schertz and surrounding communities by instilling lifelong skills and well being through organized sports. BVYA’s home base is the Johnnie McDow Sports Complex, which is owned by the City of Schertz, but operated by BVYA through a public facility licensing agreement. A variety of sports are offered through BVYA throughout the year including baseball, softball, volleyball, basketball, and swimming.

SCHERTZ YOUTH SOCCER ALLIANCE

schertzsoccercomplex.org

scheduler@schertzsoccercomplex.org

Schertz Youth Soccer Alliance (SYSA) is a partnership between Greater Randolph Area Youth Soccer Association (GRAYSA), Lions Football Club, Arsenal Football Club, Schertz Family YMCA, and the City of Schertz. SYSA’s home base is the Schertz Soccer Complex, which is owned by the City of Schertz, but operated by SYSA through a public facility licensing agreement. Opportunities for all skill levels of soccer are offered through the various clubs in SYSA.

RECREATION FACILITIES

SCHERTZ AQUATIC CENTER

(210) 619-1900

560 Schertz Parkway, 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 – 5 p.m.

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

*hours are subject to change

SCHERTZ AREA SENIOR CENTER

(210) 619-1970

608 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154

Schertz.com/Seniors

Hours of Operations: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 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.

AMENITIES

The Senior Center is open to new guests and members over the age of 50. Membership 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.

Child Watch Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Kidz Club Hours**: Monday – Friday: 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

**Open same morning hours as Child Watch on any SCUCISD holidays

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.

LIBRARY

(210) 619-1700

798 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX 78154 schertzlibrary.org

There’s More to the Story...

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.

YOUR LIBRARY ON THE GO!

National Library Week is held in April of each year, highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. This year’s theme, There’s More to the Story, is meant to spotlight not only the stories in books, but the many additional things libraries do and provide.

In the spirit of “more to the story,” did you know you can take the library with you everywhere you go? Library cardholders have access to digital resources such as eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, craft tutorials, financial databases, self-paced language learning, online tutoring services, and so much more. Are you traveling somewhere and need reliable high speed internet access? The library has Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout, too.

LIBRARY HOTSPOT PROGRAM

You asked, and we listened—the library again has Wi-Fi hotspots available for checkout! These small devices will give you unlimited, high-speed internet access in all areas serviced by T-Mobile, allowing you to take the hotspot and access internet anywhere you go. The hotspots provide 4G LTE data and give you internet access on up to 10 devices at a time. Library hotspot kits will be available on request at the circulation desk, or by placing a hold in our online catalog. They will check out for 14 days and may be renewed twice if there are no holds for other patrons.

For more information on the library hotspot service, visit the library website to view the Mobile Hotspot FAQ and Hotspot Lending Policy.

As for books, the library’s Extreme Book Nerd Challenge is just getting started for 2023. The challenge is designed to suggest new genres and subjects you may not normally choose to read and has options for everyone ages 5 and up.

Visit us April 23-29 to celebrate the library and share in our library’s multi-faceted story. Follow the library on Facebook or Instagram and check the online library calendars for upcoming events and programs, and if you don’t have a card yet, you can begin the application process online at schertzlibrary.org!

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK TECH CLASSES

Join us for a special series of programs during National Library Week highlighting some of our online services:

Thu., April 27 12:30-1:30 PM

Weiss Financial Protect Your Piggy Bank

Library Meeting Room 1 & Virtual

WEISS FINANCIAL RATINGS

Weiss Financial Ratings has recently been added to the Library’s electronic resource offerings. Patrons can access the database from the library website using their library card number.

Weiss provides:

• Independent, unbiased financial strength ratings of banks, credit unions, and insurance companies

• Conservative buy-hold-sell ratings of thousands of stocks, mutual funds, and exchange traded funds

• Medicare supplement insurance information, including which plan to choose, how much it will cost, and the ability to compare rates and plan benefits

• A catalog of financial literacy and planning tools

Visit with a library staff member for more information or a demo of the new resource.

WALK-IN TECH HELP @ THE LIBRARY AND THE SENIOR CENTER

Bring your devices (old or new) and we will do our best to answer your technology related questions and help troubleshoot common issues—and if we can’t, we’ll look for answers and learn with you. Some common topics include searching and navigating an internet browser, using mobile apps, and help using our online library resources. We will be assisting patrons on a first come, first serve basis, and may limit individual time depending on staff availability. See library events calendar for dates and times.

Library staff is also available twice a month at the Schertz Senior Center to assist with any technology questions from members of the Senior Center. Please check the Senior Center Calendar for details.

WE THANK OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS