President Stacie called the meeting to order and asked Dr Dave Hartman to offer the invocation. Cara Sauceda then led us in the pledge to the flag and because we were not in the ballroom this week for our meeting we had no piano accompaniment for our song. Nonetheless, we ventured onward with Cara leading us in an a capella rendition of “My Favorite Things”, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein and made famous in their production of “The Sound of Music”.
Afterward we greeted our fellow members and guests. Judy Koetter introduced her granddaughter Adyson and Cara introduced her son, Lenox and daughter, Penelope, who joined her today.
For the Sunshine Report Stacie reported that her sister, Sheila, was “on the mend” following her recent surgery.
She then reminded everyone that our first flag day is Memorial Day, Monday, May 27th which is quickly approaching -- only 11 days away. She indicated that at next week’s meeting we’ll all sit with our respective flag teams. Colton Heinrich than announced that our Annual Membership Dinner will be held June 27th at the Kemp Center for the Arts. Colton teased us with a hint that the event will have a musical theme in recognition of our Madam President Stacie. Reservations are due by 13 June and there is a $30 cost for each guest.
Tori Smith, the Director of Programs for the Wichita Falls Boys and Girls Club then introduced the Youth of the Month, Dawade Anderson. Dawade is an Honor Roll student in 7th grade and was runner-up for valedictorian in his class. His favorite subject is English and he aspires to be a political lawyer. Cara presented Dawade with a certificate and monetary gift recognizing his achievement.
Carol Murray then offered the membership the opportunity to donate to the “brag” bucket and share their boasts for the week. Noros told us that he and Dee Ann were blessed with the birth of their 3rd Great Granddaughter and Judy Koetter bragged on her grandson, Steven’s graduation from high school.
Dave Hartman then came to podium and offered the Member Spotlight. David spoke about a couple of his friends during the years that he benefitted from having known. He started with David Martin who had brought him into the club and reflected on how he had recently performed the service for his friend’s passing. He also remembered another good friend and fellow Rotarian, Rick Orr who we lost on December 10, 2021. He spoke of the Goodness, Graciousness and Love that he had benefited from knowing both of these individuals and how grateful he was to have called them friends. He spoke of the journey he has taken and the encouragement from the Persian poet, Rumi, that went like this, “Come, come, whoever you are. Wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. It doesn’t matter. Ours is not a caravan of despair. Come, even if you have broken your vows a thousand times. Come, yet again, come, come.” Definitely a thought-provoking spotlight – thank you David.
Josh then introduced Mr Scott McGee, Wichita Falls Recreation Service Administrator. Scott’s presentation focused on the Wichita Falls Parks Master Plan. He explained that there is an effort now underway to re-do the master plan for the city’s Parks and Recreation. The purpose of the master plan is to create a roadmap to guide short and long-term priorities for the parks and recreation system. As part of the planning process, an assessment of existing conditions and future needs will be conducted to identify opportunities for improvements to existing amenities and the need for new or additional amenities and facilities. The current plan is from 2010 and in that plan, there were 31 priorities but only 4 have been completed in the past nearly 15 years.
Scott explained that the Master Plan process is a 12-month effort that started in November 2023. There are 6 phases to the process and the effort is in phase 3 now which is “Community Engagement”. Community input opportunities will be available throughout the process and will be publicized through various advertising efforts as well as on the project website. To get things started there is a public survey going on now through May 31st and is available at:
Scott went on to explain that it is recommended that an update to a master plan be completed every five years and a new plan adopted every 10 years to keep up with community growth, development/redevelopment, shifting demographics, and emerging trends. He explained that in comparison to other cities the size of Wichita Falls, our city lags. For instance, he pointed out that we do not have a Recreation Center or an Aquatic Center. He pointed to the pool in Lucy Park as reaching it’s golden anniversary this year; i.e, it’s 50 years old.
There are several bright spots in the city though. The Rotary Park Playground was cited as an example as was the Sports Complex with artificial turf that allowed for sporting events to be held there. Due to the usage of the complex, the cost of the turf was paid for in just a year and a half. Tennis and Pickleball courts are also producing more revenue now than they have in the past 30 years. And the city’s 50-Plus Zone has been named one of the best in Texas.
Scott concluded his presentation by again asking for participation in the Master Plan survey saying it is the intent of the Master Plan to be based on the community’s needs instead of what the city can afford and to provide a better quality of life regardless of economic standing.
Stacie presented Scott with our usual speaker’s gift of a donation to the Wichita Falls ISD Foundation and then led us in the Four-Way Test followed by our adjournment till next week.
At the conclusion Stacie thanked Scott and indicated a donation would be made in his name to the Wichita Falls ISD Foundation.
Before we closed, Carla told us she was going to be out next week so she took a few minutes before we adjourned to highlight Brady Woolsey and Lance Spruiell’s Birthdays.
We then closed the meeting with the Four-Way Test.