My internship at Allen Parks and Recreation has been nothing short of an enjoyable, memorable, and knowledgeable experience! I'm extremely grateful I received this opportunity to get my foot in the door and pick the brains of some of the most diligent and progressive professionals in the industry.
To provide some background, Allen is a DFW suburb grouped amongst Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and the like, with a population of 100,000+. The city is known for its many trail and park offerings, with roughly 1,400 acres of developed park land, 80 miles of hiking and nature trails, and 66 parks and recreation facilities. This department has a wide range of recreation facilities under its wing, including the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Allen Community Ice Rink, Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen Senior Recreation Center, The Edge Skate Park, Ford Pool, The Courses at Watters Creek, and Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center (opening in Summer 2023!).
Most recently, the department was recognized at the 2022 TRAPS Institute & Expo in College Station for the State Promotion and Marketing Excellence Award. Additionally, Tori Thibodeaux - our Volunteer & Training Coordinator + my supervisor - received two individual awards. The department is also working towards renewing its CAPRA accreditation status.
Mission
We Create Meaningful LIFE Experiences in Allen.
Vision
Inspiring Your Best LIFE (LIFE is a an acronym that is part of the department brand, it is meant to be universal for all divisions within the department and can be adjusted as seen fit).
Philosophy
This municipality is driven by a set of guiding principles - a customer service philosophy termed REAL.
"Allen Parks and Recreation strives to always deliver Remarkable service from Empowered employees. It is our goal to create Amazing experiences resulting in Lasting impressions."
To provide some background, Allen is a DFW suburb grouped amongst Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and the like, with a population of 100,000+. The city is known for its many trail and park offerings, with roughly 1,400 acres of developed park land, 80 miles of hiking and nature trails, and 66 parks and recreation facilities. This department has a wide range of recreation facilities under its wing, including the Don Rodenbaugh Natatorium, Joe Farmer Recreation Center, Allen Community Ice Rink, Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen Senior Recreation Center, The Edge Skate Park, Ford Pool, The Courses at Watters Creek, and Stephen G. Terrell Recreation Center (opening in Summer 2023!).
Most recently, the department was recognized at the 2022 TRAPS Institute & Expo in College Station for the State Promotion and Marketing Excellence Award. Additionally, Tori Thibodeaux - our Volunteer & Training Coordinator + my supervisor - received two individual awards. The department is also working towards renewing its CAPRA accreditation status.
Mission
We Create Meaningful LIFE Experiences in Allen.
Vision
Inspiring Your Best LIFE (LIFE is a an acronym that is part of the department brand, it is meant to be universal for all divisions within the department and can be adjusted as seen fit).
Philosophy
This municipality is driven by a set of guiding principles - a customer service philosophy termed REAL.
"Allen Parks and Recreation strives to always deliver Remarkable service from Empowered employees. It is our goal to create Amazing experiences resulting in Lasting impressions."