Spring 2021 Feature Article

WYLIE RECREATION CENTER CELEBRATES TEN YEARS

When Wylie Recreation Center opened in February 2011, it completely transformed the way that citizens of Wylie and the surrounding communities could engage in recreation activities and engage with the community. In honor of our ten-year anniversary, Director of Wylie Parks and Recreation, Robert Diaz, talked about what the center has accomplished in a decade, and how it has evolved since opening.

Q: How is Wylie Recreation celebrating the 10-year anniversary?

Robert Diaz: Wylie Recreation Center is hosting a municipal complex-wide scavenger hunt February 1 – 7 encouraging the community to come out and explore the unique design of the recreation center, public art, and the beautiful surrounding landscape and adjacent trails we share with the Wylie Municipal Complex. We also will be highlighting memorable offerings, special events, and guest transformations and accomplishments through the years in February on the @WylieRecreation Facebook and Instagram pages. There will be lots of opportunities to walk away with a commemorative T-shirt, totes, and other door prizes.

Q: What are some unique features or events that Wylie Recreation Center is known for?

RD: We are always looking for fun new ways to activate the community while meeting needs. The climbing wall placement, by the front door, has been a big draw for people. We are known for our cleanliness, attentive staff, and providing a way for people to connect. The summer camps are a big hit, the fitness area is a huge draw, and we have a very successful program of registered classes, such as Flex Reg Fitness yoga and zumba, karate, Tutus and Tap, and our cooking and sewing classes.

Q: How have the offerings evolved over the last 10 years?

RD: We have had kids that started participating with us when we opened, that are now young adults. Some are even starting their own families. They grew up in the rec center, and their kids will too. Since so many of our participants make a choice to spend their time with us, we stay tuned in to their needs. Because of constant technological advancements, we rotate the fitness equipment out so that participants have access to the best experience possible. Camps ten years ago were centered on sports, today camps are focused on STEAM. Aerobic classes have morphed into boot camp classes. To meet needs, our expert staff stay involved in professional development at every level.

Q: How has attendance looked during the last 10 years?

RD: Since opening the doors in February 2011, Wylie Recreation Center has seen many members of the community transform their wellbeing. We have served more than 2.8 million participants in classes, passes, and facility rentals. In the peak of summer, we serve more than 40K, on average.

Q: In what ways has the center and its programs been recognized for its efforts?

RD: Wylie Recreation Center has been recognized many times over the last 10 years. Some of our awards include Excellence in Programming awards from Texas Recreation and Parks Society, North Region in 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Recreation Facility Design Excellence awards from Texas Recreation and Parks Society for Region 2-3 in 2012, and statewide in 2013. Wylie Recreation Center was voted Best Fitness Facility by Wylie News readers’ poll in 2019, and 2020.

Q: How did Wylie Recreation Center come to be?

RD: The center was part of the 2005 bond election that included the City of Wylie Municipal Complex, upgrades to Founders and Community Parks, and various road projects. Bonds for the project were sold in 2008 and the design process for the recreation center began. Staff researched various facilities in the metroplex and around the country to come up with a design that would provide the best opportunity for indoor recreation for Wylie residents and residents in the surrounding community.

Q: Is there anything you would have done differently?

RD: I wish we had been able to provide additional and larger meeting spaces and classrooms. We have been challenged with limited space in expanding some of our programs due to the current space limitations. And storage, we can always use more storage space. The center and the service is exceptional. I am very proud of what we have been able to do for the community. I look forward to many more years helping people meet their goals for quality of life.

CELEBRATE with US!

Municipal Complex Scavenger Hunt

Assemble your team and pick up scavenger hunt instructions inside the Wylie Recreation Center or visit our website for a digital copy, www.wylietexas. gov/recreation. Successfully complete the hunt and receive a special anniversary swag pack door prize at the front desk.

Wylie Recreation Center / February 1 - 7

VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS:

Follow us on Facebook, Wylie Recreation; and Instagram @WylieRecreation

Trivia Tuesdays - February 2, 9, 16, 23

Fun and engaging tidbits about the year 2011 and interesting facts about the rec center. Be the first to guess correctly on our Facebook or Instagram for a door prize.

Throwback Thursdays - February 4, 11, 18, and 25

Celebrate the accomplishments of guests over the years.

Rec Rewind - February 5, 12, 19, and 26

Take a look back on some of the most memorable rec moments each Friday.

QUESTIONS? Recreation@WylieTexas.Gov