This timeline is being created to commemorate the department's 50th anniversary in 2018. Some dates are approximate. Images may be slow to load. There will be updates and new images added periodically, so come visit the site again!;xNLx;;xNLx;For a more interesting viewing experience, click on the 3D button in the lower left corner. Reopen the frame originally displayed in another window (by right clicking on the frame) to see the timeline in full screen mode.
1897 - 5 acres was acquired from the Plano Fishing Club to establish Harrington Park; 1925 - land for Haggard Park was donated; 1931 - additional land was added to Harrington Park
Plano's population in 1960 was 3,695
$150,000 in General Obligation bonds was approved; there were 85 acres in the park system at the time.
The first tract of land for Schell Park was acquired
A $630,000 bond referendum for park improvements passes in 1966 just prior to the formation of the department.
In September 1967 City Council passed an ordinance (67-9-4) authorizing the creation of the Parks and Recreation Department which would be established later in 1968.
Offered boxing, volleyball, and basketball.
In 1968 the City Manager acted on the City Council authority to create the Parks and Recreation Department by hiring the first director.
Richard Austin is hired as first Director
City Manager Ken Lambert hired Bob Woodruff, Austin College graduate, a PISD coach and Social Studies teacher at Plano Junior High and Plano Senior High
First summer playground program at Outpost Park (Sigler) and Meadows Elementary playground
Games played at Capital Wire and Cable fields.....
Summer Activity at Plano Recreation Center
Joint planning of park and school sites begins
Boxing classes offered at Douglass School Gym
The cooperative relationship started in the 1960's continues to expand with the use of Sigler and Meadows schools for programs
First Park Board Chair
The gym opens weekends with activities conducted by the First Christian Church, Shiloh Baptist and Meadows Baptist Church along with Parks & Recreation personnel.
Buddy McGinnis hired
School Board President - Dan Smith, Mayor - Norman F Whitsitt, PARD Superintendent - Buddy McGinnis, Chamber of Commerce Manager - Dennis Ackline, C of C President - John Waddell
Plano has 17,872 residents in 1970. The population has more than quadrupled since 1960.
95 acres is acquired in the 1960's to bring the total park acreage to 109 acres in 6 parks.
Oil Painting, Slimnastics, Guitar, Baton Twirling, Charm & Modeling, Puppet Making, Tumbling, Creative Stitchery, Theater, Judo and Archery
Jointly with PISD,Terry Warren, at Sigler, First Recreation Specialist, Ron McNeill, at Meadows.
The Plano Sports Authority was established to administer youth sports in Plano. The City began allocating sports fields and facilities for their use. Indoor programs such as basketball were held in school facilities.
The first public pool opens on the Plano High School campus (later to become Williams High School). The site was first acquired from PISD in 1970.
Opening of swim season
Coaches Kathy Bell - Wilson MS and Jimmy Spann - Armstrong Elem
Another bond referendum for $1.5 million of park improvements successfully passes in 1971.
Willowcreek Park; Shoshoni Park; and Overland Trail Park (which was the first linear park) were acquired.
Instructor Pan Sriben taught at Meadows and Sigler
Terry Owens is hired
A donation from Plano Bank & Trust paid for lighting the fountain in Haggard Park.
The first comprehensive Park Master Plan was developed by a consultant in cooperation with PISD. The plan began locating schools and parks together.
The lighting of the Christmas tree became an annual ceremony shown here in 1985
A boxing program was conducted at Douglass in the early years
Through a third party developer/operator agreement, Don January and Billy Martindale begin plans for the construction of golf course amenities in E.C. Drumb Park.
Danny Muzyka is hired as the department's first Park Superintendent. Bob Woodruff is the director under City Manager David Griffin.
Shawnee Park; Schell Park; Evans Park; and Santa Fe Trail.
A cover was constructed over the Plano Municipal Pool in a second phase of development and the facility became known as the Natatorium
Class taught by Coast Guard Auxilliary Flotilla 53 at what was Plano High School, now Williams High School.
Lee Wilson - Manager and Jim Gean - Assistant, Plano Municipal Swimming Pool
In addition to joint land acquisitions with PISD, the department began building playgrounds at school sites so the students could use them during the day and the public after school hours. Patriot Hill playground was built at Shepard and Grassy Creek playground at Barron.
The department has 13 FT employees and 2 PT staff members
Jim Murrell, Terry Blalock,Jeff Jeffers, Mrs Nina Fessler, Bill Whisnant and Jack Carter.
Parks & Rec Admin Staff
Members of the Park and Recreation Board and PISD visit Flint, Michigan where schools were used as recreation/community centers in non-school hours to save money and avoid duplication of services.
A joint master plan with PISD is prepared for future John Clark Stadium, Clark High School campus, and the High Point park facilities.
The original offices were in the old post office building and were moved to Conner Harrington Park
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