News Flash

Yoga for kids: how poses improve focus, self-confidence

For many adults, yoga is coveted for its ability to improve one’s balance, strength and mental health. But have you ever wondered how kids might benefit from these ancient exercises?

Kids these days are faced with a tremendous amount of stimuli from school schedules, extra-curricular activities, technology, responsibilities at home, and the social scene—which is why more and more parents are introducing their children to the...

Unleash your creative mind through writing

Cobbler. Umber. Haunt. Grumble. Raincoat. Could you write a thoughtful and descriptive story on the fly that incorporates these words?

That is exactly what Plano Parks & Recreation’s Writer’s Critique and Discussion Group engages in twice a month. The group was formed about a year ago and meets every second and fourth Monday from 1-3 p.m. at the Gladys Harrington ...

Mowing and King Ranch Bluestem Weeds

Every year around this time, you may notice high grass on medians throughout the city.

The high grass is actually an invasive weed called King Ranch Bluestem that pops up from September through November. It has a very fast growth rate - it can grow as much as two feet in two weeks - and there is no easy way to control it in between mowing c...

Median Improvements Project Update: Trees, Irrigation & Hardscapes

Earlier this year (in mid-June, to be exact), Plano Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division began a project to replace median trees in three locations within the city.

The project is expected to take several months to complete, and when it is, motorists will see a noticeable difference in not only the health of the new trees but the islands on which they stand as well.The three locations that this project is taking plac...

Cottonwood Creek trail project to include preservation, rehabilitation efforts

Nature lovers, families, runners, cyclists, and anyone who enjoys exploring Plano’s trail system will be happy to know that a new trail connection along the Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt is underway.

The connection—located in the northeastern part of the city—consists of 2.3 miles of concrete trail that will wind its way through parts of the greenbelt previously not accessible to the public. The new 12-foot-wide trail will allow fo...

Skate Park at Carpenter Park to Open Aug. 11

The City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the opening of its first skate park. The department will hold a special grand opening celebration on Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9 a.m. at the new facility, which is located inside Carpenter ...

Ask an Urban Forester: How can residents contribute to Plano’s tree canopy (for free)?

Here in Plano, Angela Kralik is our Urban Forester. She receives many inquiries from residents who, like her, understand the importance of trees and care about the well-being of these living creatures.

Having collected a small cache of questions from local residents, we thought it would be a good idea to share her useful information with the rest of the community in an effort to help everyone in Plano support the maintenance of our urban forest canopy. ...

Let your energy flow with new classes at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center

Let your energy flow with new classes at Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center

Grace Clevenger was born and raised in China. Having moved to Texas some twenty years ago, the McKinney resident has introduced many North Texans to a new fitness program rooted in Chinese tradition.

Grace is founder of BaoJian Fitness and was recently wel...

Median Tree Replacement Project

The City of Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department, under its Urban Forestry program, is replacing trees in medians across Plano over the next several months.

This is due to the serious decline in health and safety to the trees in the medians and to provide a healthy urban forest for Plano residents.

The three locations are:

• Park Boulevard from Avenue P to Avenue R and Peachtree Lane to Shiloh Road
• Coit Road from ...

Got a question about trees? Ask An Urban Forester!

Ask our Urban Forester, Angie Kralik, any tree related questions.

Urban Forestry is the careful care and management of tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. Urban forestry advocates the role of trees as a critical part of the urban infrastructure. Urban foresters plant an...

Plano Parks and Recreation Marks “50 Years of Fun” With Yearlong Celebration in 2018

In 1968, Plano’s newly formed Parks and Recreation Department consisted of one director, two part-time employees, and 42 acres of farmland.  Today, this award-winning system boasts thousands of miles of park land, miles of trails, and b...

Paddling approved at Big Lake Park

Looking for a fun nature escape right here in Plano? Grab your watercraft and head to Big Lake Park (3800 Rainier Road), where kayakers, canoers and paddle boarders can now take to the park’s namesake waterway.

Big Lake Park is the second location in Plano that’s been opened up to paddlers, something Park Planning Manager Renee Jordan said is by design. The department opened the lake at Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve up to paddlers last summer an...

Plano Senior Recreation Center Closed for Renovations

Attempts to keep the Plano Senior Recreation Center open during the expansion have met with unexpected challenges. Due to safety concerns, the facility closed March 1, 2018 and will remain closed until the project is complete.

For up-to-date information on the relocation of classes and daily drop-in activities, please contact the Plano Senior Recreation Center at 972-941-7155. Trips will continue but will now depart from the Oak Point Park Nature & Retreat Center. The Welln...