News Flash

Posted on: December 4, 2023

Exciting Times in Public Art

The "Foundations of our History" mural on the underpass of traintracks

These are exciting times in Public Art here in the City of Denton! In October we officially unveiled the latest addition to the City’s outdoor sculpture inventory – Christine Sander’s vibrant work, “Serve,&rdquo...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 27, 2023

Help us "Design Downtown Denton!"

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The City of Denton and its Downtown district have experienced significant changes since the adoption of the Downtown Master Plan in 2002. City planning staffalongside consulting partners at Mend Collaborative, are now embarkin...

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Posted on: November 2, 2023

City of Denton Parks and Recreation Receives $10,971,904 Grant from TxDOT

Parks Team Receiving TxDOT Grant

DENTON, TX, Nov. 11, 2023 – City of Denton’s Parks and Recreation Department was recently awarded a $10,971,904 grant from Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) program. This grant will cover approximately...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 6, 2023

Honoring Veterans

Man saluting to flag and wreath placed at podium

Veteran’s Day was preceded by Armistice Day in 1918. On November 11, 1918, at the 11th hour, the peace treaty was signed to officially end World War I.  This day was set aside to honor members of the armed forces who were killed in Worl...

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Click for more information Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 13, 2023

NOW OPEN: Denton Tennis & Pickleball Center

Mayor and staff ribbon cutting at the new tennis center

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, the grand opening of the highly anticipated Denton Tennis & Pickleball Center was held. This facility is the ultimate destination for tennis and pickleball players. With a budget of $5.19 million dollars, made p...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 20, 2023

Denton Parks and Recreation Funding

Photo of money overlapping

The Denton Parks and Recreation Department funds its projects, programs, and operations from a number of revenue sources provided by local, state, and federal levels of government. The Parks D...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 12, 2023

City of Denton Parks and Recreation Earns National Accreditation

Photo of Parks and Recreation Staff with Award

Recognition marks City’s commitment to excellence in operation and service

DENTON, TX, Oct. 12, 2023 – Today, City Manager Sara Hensley announced that the City of Denton’s Parks and Recreation Department has earned national accreditation for standards of excellence through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 2, 2023

New Mobile Recreation Unit

Mobile Rec Launch - Social Media (2)

Introducing: Park and Play - Your Passport to Fun and Fitness!

We are thrilled to introduce you to our brand-new Mobile Recreation Unit. In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to stay active and enjoy recreational activities can be challenging. That’s w...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: September 25, 2023

Lake Forest Park New Glow Rocks for Trail

Trail with glow in the dark rocks

In spring 2021 the City began performing upgrades to Lake Forest Park. The work began with rehabilitation of the dam which included dredging of lake, rebuil...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: September 11, 2023

Hispanic Heritage Month

Image of children at a piano

Hispanic Heritage Month began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and in 1988 President Ronald Regan officially recognized Black History Month. September 15th – October 15th was chosen as the celebration period because it is the anniversary of ind...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: September 18, 2023

Parks and Recreation Metrics

Infographic

The City of Denton Parks and Recreation Departments boasts a network of parks and recreation spaces that epitomize our mission to Unite, Grow, Play! Parks and recreation shape our landscapes; more importantly, they shape our lives. Proximity to high-quali...

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Link to our performance metrics Parks and Recreation
Posted on: September 4, 2023

National Senior Center Month 2023

A group of seniors out on a trip at a restaurant

National Senior Center Month 2023

Every September our country celebrates and recognizes the month as National Senior Center Month. The Administration for Community Living and the National Council on Aging, two of our nation's leading advocates for aging we...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: August 7, 2023

Annual Back to School Party

Two girls standing in front of a back to school party poster

As the summer sun begins to set, the anticipation of a new school year dawns upon us. At our community, we believe in fostering a spirit of togetherness, growth, and enjoyment, and what better way to kick off the academic journey than with an unforgettabl...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: August 14, 2023

Dog Days of Denton

Embrace the Dog Days of Denton 2023: A Pawsome Guide to Canine Fun!

Hot summer days, wagging tails, and a vibrant community—welcome to the Dog Days of Denton 2023! This year's event, hosted by the Denton Parks Foundation, promises a delightful celebration ...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: July 31, 2023

National Senior Citizens Day

Denton Senior Playing Table Tennis

August 21 is National Senior Citizens Day and the best way to celebrate is by honoring a senior in your life. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed August 21, 1988, as the first National Senior Citizen's Day. He wrote "For all they have achieve...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: July 26, 2023

Improvement to the North Lakes Disc Golf Course

Disc Golf Course

On July 6, construction began on new tee boxes at the Creekside disc golf course at North Lakes Park.  A total of (18) 12’ circular tees are being installed to&...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: July 24, 2023

Unveiling the Future: Denton Tennis & Pickleball Center

Photo of the new tennis Sculpture at the Denton Tennis Center

Since February of 2022, North Rock Construction has been constructing the highly anticipated Denton Tennis & Pickleball Center. This facility is set to become the ultimate destination for tennis and pickleball enthusiasts alike. With...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: July 17, 2023

Elevating Our Community: ARPA-Funded Park Projects Approved by City Council

Spray Ground Design for Carl young park

Earlier this fiscal year, the City Council approved the allocation of $3.7 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for a series of transformative park improvement projects. These initiatives are set to enhance ou...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: July 10, 2023

Disability Visibility Month

A person is holding three rocks

Disability Visibility Month, also known as Disability Pride Month, is celebrated in July in commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was passed in 1990. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of di...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: June 26, 2023

Denton is Aging and Growing

Two Senior Center Members Painting a photo

Many things shifted throughout and because of the pandemic. We've seen shifts in buying patterns, housing markets, and technology trends, but have you thought about the shift in programming for senior centers recently? With recreation centers spe...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: June 19, 2023

The Hidden Benefits of Parks

Avondale Park Bench

Parks and green spaces are essential components of a healthy and vibrant city and offer numerous benefits to individuals and the community, including opportunities for improved physical and mental health. These benefits became explicitly apparent during t...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: June 12, 2023

New Amenities at Sequoia Park

Photo of Sequoia Park with Pavilion and playground with new features

If you have visited Sequoia Park recently you have noticed sidewalk connections to the neighborhood, a new play structure, and a pavilion.  The sidewalk connections and playground amenities are part of Phase 1 of the overall improvement plan for ...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: June 5, 2023

New StoryWalk© coming to Fred Moore Park

Story boards along a trail path

You may have seen the StoryWalk© featured among businesses on the Denton Square and we are proud to announce a second location coming soon to Fred Moore Park located at 501 S. Bradshaw Street. This is a project ...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 4, 2023

Celebrate National Bird Day

Birdwatching is a fascinating activity that allows us to observe and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the avian world. Denton boasts an impressive range of native bird species, making it a great destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. The city has...

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Click for more information Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 29, 2023

North Lakes Park Librada "Lily" Cantu Inclusive Playground Project

City Council adopted the Parks, Recreation, and Trails System Master Plan on March 1, 2022, which prioritizes the development of an inclusive playground within the City. In light of this, the Librada "Lily" Cantu Playground - a current 2-5 &...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 22, 2023

Parks and Recreation Volunteer Highlight

Headshot of Vivian

Meet Vivian C. Young, who is a volunteer at MLK Jr. Rec Center and on the Martin L. King, Jr. Advisory Board, Chair!

Vivian has been volunteering at the MLK Jr. Rec. Center since 2013. Her favorite thing about volunteering is coming together with others to...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 15, 2023

Community Health Fair

Dentist Standing in front of dental table

Are you looking for healthcare resources in Denton? Come check out all that Denton has to offer through our Health Fair. This is an educational opportunity to learn about the health care we have in our community! 

The Martin L. King, Jr. Recreatio...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 1, 2023

Cinco de Mayo

Picture of Cinco de Mayo in floral decorative letters

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that commemorates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 over the Second French Empire. The Mexican army was smaller than the Second French army; therefore the 3-year victory provided encouragement, pride...

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Click for more information Parks and Recreation
Posted on: May 8, 2023

May is National Water Safety Month

Denton Swim Lessons

Did you know drowning can happen in less than 2 minutes AND with many people around? In honor of National Water Safety Month, we wanted to give you a few pointers on water safety for your family and home! 

Swimming season is here! Whether you are ...

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Click for Water Safety Programs Parks and Recreation
Posted on: April 4, 2023

John Whitmore Retirement

Head Shot of John

Happy Trails!

After 22 years of service to the Denton community, and over 40 in the industry, Parks Planning Manager, John Whitmore is retiring.

John has contributed to the park, recreation, and leisure field in many ways ranging from the community level to...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: April 3, 2023

Electronic Box Art Program

Traffic Box Wrap Locations

The City’s Public Art Program will begin wrapping a number of traffic boxes in the Original Denton District (ODD) with art produced by Denton ISD Students. The artwork is printed on vinyl, which is then adhered to the traffic box by professional...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: April 24, 2023

What is Athletics?

Denton Parks and Rec Blastball

The City of Denton Parks and Recreation department has a whole division dedicated to Athletics. You may ask yourself what does that consist of? As a team, we provide recreational sports programs and events to the community. These programs are designed to ...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: April 17, 2023

Volunteer Appreciation Week

Volunteer

April is National Volunteer Appreciation month and with that, the City of Denton and the Parks and Recreation Department would like to recognize the efforts our citizens have put into helping the community. Since 1991 the month of April has been a time to...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: April 10, 2023

Asian Pacific Heritage Month

Photo of Women from Asian Pacific Heritage Month Event

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month began as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1977, and in 1990, Congress extended the observance to a month. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush annually designated May as the first “Asian/P...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: March 27, 2023

Bowling Green Grant

Denton Bowling Green Map with planned updates

On August 1, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Department submitted a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) for the Local Park Grant for improvements at Bowling Green Park. This grant provides funding for 50% of the proposed construction. On J...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: March 20, 2023

Clear Creek has River Otters

River Otters in a field at Clear Creek at night

Yes, we have them at Clear Creek. There have been many occasions where something was spotted in the water, but determining whether it was a beaver, otter, or nutria always eluded us. Until recently. Two months ago Dan caught a family of otters on a game c...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: March 13, 2023

Adapted Rec Bring's Recreation to All

Adapted Recreation making pizzas with a variety of people at five different tables

Adapted and Inclusive Recreation, or AIR, is the City’s Parks and Recreation program for individuals with physical, intellectual, and emotional disabilities. All programs are designed with a range of abilities in mind and have equipment and instruction fo...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: February 13, 2023

Black History Month

Two women dressed up for Black History Month

Black History Month began as National Negro Week in 1926 and in 1976 President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month.  February was chosen as the celebration month because it encompasses the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fredri...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: February 27, 2023

Parks and Recreation Volunteer Highlight

Photo of woman wearing green shirt, volunteer highlight

Denise has been serving at the Denton Senior Center as a volunteer in numerous capacities over the years. She serves on the volunteer Advisory Council and advocates for other members of the center. Her main priority currently is serving as the Library Com...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: February 6, 2023

Heart Health Month

Picture of heart and stethoscope

Your Heart is one of the most important organs in your body. Here are some easy tips to keep your heart healthy and ticking all year long!  1. Get Moving - Working out 150 minutes a week of aerobic activity is optimal, but getting off th...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: February 20, 2023

Aquatics Water Park Project Update

Picture of the New Kiddie Pool area at the water park

This week kicked off with contractors on site to finish details on the WWP bathhouse floors where another clear coat was applied and polishing took place. Facilities will be on-site in the next week to begin painting the walls. Repairs to the benches will...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: January 2, 2023

New Year, New You

People doing Bodypump

Stay fit in the new year

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a morning walk or run. Studies have shown that exercising outside reduces stress and improves your mood.

Don’t get off track. Stay motivated to stick to your exercise routine by en...

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Additional Info... Parks and Recreation
Posted on: January 9, 2023

MLK Jr. Day Celebration

MLK poster

The Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual Martin L. King, Jr. Day Commemoration Program on Monday, January 16. This year’s theme is taken from the title of Dr. King’s 1964 book, Why We Can’t Wait.  Pas...

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Additional Info... Parks and Recreation
Posted on: January 23, 2023

Parks and Recreation Replaces Trash and Recycling Containers with a Grant

New Recycling bins and trash cans

The City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) wanted to reduce the amount of litter in its parks while improving the amount of uncontaminated recycled materials. The parks have traditionally used fifty-five-gallon drums with trash bag liners t...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: December 12, 2022

Healthy Holidays

Santa in a back bend doing a yoga pose

The holidays can be a fun and festive time, but it comes with its own stresses and challenges; this is especially true when it comes to our health! Here are some helpful tips from the staff at the Denton Senior Center on how to make it through this holida...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 21, 2022

Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving health and fitness word cloud

Stay fit During Thanksgiving

Colder weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and Thanksgiving feasts. Here are a few ways to prioritize health and fitness as the season changes from summer to fall.

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a morning walk. Studies hav...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 28, 2022

Tree Giveaway Wrap Up

Hand holding a kdb card in front of trees

Keep Denton Beautiful (KDB) hosted its 24th Annual Community Tree Giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 22. At the drive-thru event, 700 trees were distributed to Denton residents to plant at their homes. More than 50 volunteers and staff members worked together to ...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 7, 2022

Wreaths Across America

Person placing a wreath on a grave of a veteran

Wreaths Across America is a program whose mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. Annually, Wreaths Across America partners with various civic organizations, schools, scouts, and religious organizations across the country to place a wreath on each hero&a...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 24, 2022

Healthy Halloween

Halloween photo with shoes, pumpkins, and exercise equipment

Stay fit During Halloween

Colder weather, pumpkin spice lattes, and Halloween candy. Here are a few ways to prioritize health and fitness as the season changes from summer to fall.

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a morning walk. Studies have shown...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 10, 2022

Benefits of Taking a Walk in Nature

People gathered around a pond for a walk

It's National Take a Walk to a Park Day! In honor of the national holiday, we would like to highlight the benefits of walking in nature. 

Most everyone knows the exercise benefits of walking, but did you know walking outdoors in nature ha...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 31, 2022

Cole Ranch Neighborhood Park

Map of Cole Ranch Neighborhood Park

Cole Ranch Neighborhood Park #1

On September 12, the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification board adopted the conceptual master plan for the neighborhood park of Cole Ranch, phase 1. The City of Denton annexed Cole Ranch in 2006 and was classified as the Co...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: October 17, 2022

Parks and Recreation Rental Spaces Available

Birthday Balloons spelling happy birthday

Recreation Center Birthday Party Packages

Host your child’s next birthday party at one of Denton’s recreation centers! Our 1 ½ hour birthday packages include a decorated party room, your choice of 45-60 min of activity, table...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: November 14, 2022

Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Bike Trail

Last November the City of Denton, Parks and Recreation and biking community celebrated the official grand opening of the Hartlee Field Mountain Bike Trail in northeast Denton.  The 5.3-mile-long single-track trail was built by a core group of vol...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: September 26, 2022

Women's Health and Fitness Day

A woman performing squats while at the gym

Recognizing that women have specific needs when it comes to health and wellness, National Women's Health and Fitness Day was established in 2002 and is celebrated every year on the last Wednesday of September. This year we will celebrate on Septe...

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Parks and Recreation
Posted on: June 29, 2022

Lawn Management and the Challenges of KR Bluestem

KR Bluestem growing tall around headstones in IOOF Cemetery Denton, TX

How often have you mowed your lawn over the weekend only to find tall weeds growing up to your knees seemingly overnight? You could be dealing with fast-growing King Ranch (KR) Bluestem, an invasive bunchgrass known to grow as much as two to three feet in...

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Parks and Recreation