Life is Grand Winter 2008

Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GPTX.org H 972-237- 8000

Table of Contents

2 Uptown Theater Season Tickets on Sale

3 City Calendars Available Soon

4 Calendar of Events

5 Police Add Second K-9

6 On The Grow

7 Beltline Overpass Opens

7 Lone Star Trinity Trail Opens

7 QuikTrip Park Receives “Best” Award

11 Parks & Rec Winter ScheduleClasses and events to enrich your life

13 Sports in the Community

14 Aquatics Swim, swim, swim

16 Youth Classes for ages 2 - 12

18 Tweens & Teens Classes for ages 10 - 18

19 Grown Ups Classes for ages 18+

22 Active Adults Classes for ages 50+

28 Parks Map and Matrix

30 Loyd Park Earns Good Sam Designation

32 Winter Special Events in GP Parks

“Life is Grand!” is produced four times a year and mailed to all Grand Prairie residents. The publication is produced by the award-winning Communications and Parks andRecreation departments of the City of Grand Prairie.City news and Parks and Recreation classes are featured.Design is provided by Stephen M. Adams Creative.Questions: 972-237-8086.

Prairie Lights, the popular drive-through holiday lightdisplay, is all aglow again this year from Nov. 27-Dec. 31. The event is located in Lynn Creek Park, 5700 Lake RidgeParkway, on Joe Pool Lake in Grand Prairie. Prairie Lights isopen from 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday and holidays.

Prices are:

Car: $15 Monday-Thursday;

$20 Friday-Sunday and holidaysLimo: $50Small commercial bus: $45Large commercial bus: $75

More than 3 million colorful twinkling lights are displayedalong the two miles of winding roads. New displays blendwith old favorites like the world’s longest tunnel of lightsduring the 35-night event. For a unique out-of-car experience,stop in Holiday Village midway through the drive and enjoyconcessions, carousel rides, Santa’s Store for shopping andphotos with Santa on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And, theHoliday Magic Theater is back by popular demand, a 10-minute choreographed light show created by Josh Barnett’sLightasmic.

Last year, more than 120,000 people from more than 210 cities enjoyed Prairie Lights. For more information, log on to www.PrairieLights.org or call 972-237-GLOW (4569). The event is brought to you by the city of Grand Prairie.

All New Displays Twinkle at Prairie Lights

3 MILLION LIGHTS H 2 MILES OF DISPLAYS1 MUST-SEE EVENT

The inaugural season of the historic UptownTheater, 120 East Main Street, opens this winter withnationally renowned artists. Season and individual

performance tickets now on sale. Allperformances begin at 8 p.m. Box officeopens at 6 p.m., doors at 7 p.m.

Tickets will be available atwww.UptownTheaterGP.com or by calling972-237-UPTN. For more informationplease contact Elspeth McDonald,Managing Director of the Uptown Theaterat 972-237-8409 or [email protected].

Dec.19-21,20083 Redneck Tenors Christmas

Spec-tac-YULE-arJoin Billy Bob, Billy Joe,

and Billy Billee as theymix NASCAR withBeethoven, lite beer withPuccini and kick up a littledust with Ave Maria Dixie!

Jan.10,2009 • The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Broadway veterans David Gaschen and Anne Sanders, and opera stars Matthew Lord and Jill Blalock journey through thestoried and acclaimed career of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Feb.7,2009 • The Marvelettes

Probably the most pop-oriented of Motown’s major female acts, theMarvelettes recorded Motown’s firstnumber one single, “Please Mr. Postman” (1961). Other hits include“Playboy,” “Twistin’ Postman,” and “Beechwood 4-5789.”

March 7,2009Joe Willie ‘Pinetop’Perkins and Marquise ‘Big Daddy’Knox

At 95 years old, Pinetop Perkins is an award-winning blues legend. He’ll be joined on stage by 17-year-old Big Daddy Knox,who took the St. Louis blues scene by storm at the ripe old age of 15.

April 18, 2009 • Asleep at the Wheel

This fundraiser for the Texas Music Project will put the proceeds back intoa Grand Prairie public school. Over thecourse of the last 36 years, Asleep atthe Wheel has thrived by sticking totheir distinct western swing sound.

May 1,2009 • The Spencers - Theatre of Illusion

Redefined the art of illusion, the Spencers have baffled and entertained millions around the world. They continue to deliver alarger-than-life sense of wonder to their audience.

The Grand Prairie Arts Council will also present its productionsat the Uptown. Check www.artsgp.com for events and tickets.

2 Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GPTX.org H 972-237- 8000

After Feb. 17, most television stations

will broadcast only in digital, as required

by the Digital Television Transition and

Public Safety Act of 2005. At that time,

analog television sets will be obsolete

without a digital converter box unless

the viewer has cable or satellite access.

The City of Grand Prairie SolidWaste Department is offering anopportunity to recycle unwantedtelevision sets on Saturday, Jan. 24.This opportunity is a grant-fundedcooperative effort among Grand Prairie,Irving, Arlington and Mansfield.Participant vouchers will be required toparticipate and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Grant funds are available for therecycling of approximately 250

televisions. To be able to participate,you must have a Participant Voucher.To receive a Participant Voucher, please callRose Chavez at 972-237-8151. You will begiven specific instructions as to theevent time and location, and a voucherwill be mailed to you. If you havemore than one television to recycle,you must request an additional voucher foreach television being recycled.

Order your Participant Voucher by Jan. 9 and recycle your television onSaturday, Jan. 24. For more informationabout this event, contact PatriciaRedfearn at 972-237-8147 or [email protected]. Prepared incooperation with the North TexasCouncil of Governments throughfunding from the Texas Commission onEnvironmental Quality.

Recycle Your Television

Uptown Theater Season Tickets on Sale

You can help feed a family and make theholiday happier for a Grand Prairie kid thisyear through Santa Cop and Santa Spot. Thenon-profits help 300-400 Grand Prairie familiesevery Christmas with food and toys.

Bring new, unwrapped toys for kidsages 0-18 and non-perishable food todonation boxes Nov. 19 – Dec. 24 at:

t Any Grand Prairie Fire Station

City Hall, 317 College t City Hall Annex, 318 W. Main

Police Station, 801 Conover t Main Library, 901 Conover

Warmack Library, 760 Bardin t Bowles Library, 2750 Graham

City Development Center, 206 W. Church

Grand Prairie Credit Union, 209 N. Center St.

For more information, call 972-237-8814or email [email protected].

Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GPTX.org H 972-237- 8000 3

Santa Cop and Santa Spot

The annual City of Grand Prairie calendars will be available at variouscity offices by the end of December. The popular calendars are free. Thephotographs featured in the calendar are winners of a Calendar PhotoContest taken by Grand Prairie residents of Grand Prairie scenery, events,people and functions. The 2009 calendar will feature historic Grand Prairie,celebrating the city’s 100 year anniversary. Calendars go fast, so keep aneye out for them mid to end of December.

For more information, call 972-237-8086. Calendars can be found at:

Grand Prairie Airport 3116 S. Great Southwest Parkway

Bowles Life Center 2750 Graham Street

Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens 3001 S. Belt Line Road

Chamber of Commerce 900 Conover Drive

City Hall 317 College Street

Grand Prairie Development Center 206 W. Church Street

Kirby Creek Indoor Pool 3201 Corn Valley Road

Main Library 901 Conover Drive

Prairie Paws Animal Shelter 2222 W. Warrior Trail

Ruthe Jackson Center 3113 S. Carrier Parkway

Senior Center 925 Conover Drive

State Rep Kirk England 2426 S. Carrier Parkway #106

Tourist Center 2170 N. Belt Line Road

Warmack Library 760 Bardin Road

YMCA 4556 S. Carrier Parkway

The city’s annual custom-designed 2008 city of Grand Prairie holidayornament, which embraces Prairie Lights this year, is now available. FirstLady Janice England created the ornament project as a way to celebrateGrand Prairie. Revenues benefit local charities. Ornaments retail at $15 eachand may be purchased at:

City Hall, Marketing Department Tourist Center317 College St. 2170 N. Belt Line RoadMon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m.

This fifth in a series of annual ornaments features the city’s populardrive-through holiday lighting extravaganza, Prairie Lights. Last year, morethan 120,000 visitors enjoyed the 3 million lights along two miles ofwinding lanes through Lynn Creek Park on Lake Joe Pool.

The sparkling gold three-dimensional ornament features the PrairieLights’ logo anchored by a Grand Prairie charm, with a glittering effectsplashed on bulb and banner.

Also available for $10 each are the inaugural 2004 ornament, recognizingLone Star Park at Grand Prairie’s World Thoroughbred ChampionshipBreeders’ Cup; the 2005 “I Love Grand Prairie” ornament; the 2006 “StarryNights” ornament; and the 2007 “Uptown Theater” ornament. For moreinformation, call 972-237-8086.

Popular City CalendarsAvailable Soon

City’s 2008

OrnamentLights

Up the Tree

See how Grand Prairians lived in theearly 1900s with a free tour of thebeautifully restored historic CopelandHome, 125 SW Dallas St., every firstSaturday of the month from noon-4 p.m.Docents will give tours and answer

questions about the quaint 100-year-old home in which Dr. HoraceV. Copeland lived with his family. Dr. Copeland helped birth morethan 4,000 Grand Prairie babies during his career. To get to thehome, from Main or Jefferson streets in Grand Prairie, turn south on SW 2nd Street, and travel east on SW Dallas Street.

Free Monthly Tours atHistoric Copeland Home


Calendar of Events Winter 2008 - 2009 (events subject to change)

Until Dec. 31 6-10 p.m., Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park, 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, holiday lighting extravaganza, www.prairielights.org

Dec. 6 Noon-4 p.m., free tours of historic Copeland Home, 125 SW Dallas St., 972-237-8086

Dec. 6 Noon-4 p.m., Winter Wonderland, Lynn Creek Park, 5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, GPISD performers, carriage rides, kiddie train, rock climbing, face painting, photos with Santa, 972-237-8100

Dec. 6 9-11:30 a.m., Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day, Development Center, 201 NW 2nd St., register: http://www.gptx.org/wq/hhw, 972-237-8055

Dec. 6 5:30 p.m., Candle Light Memorial Service open to the public, Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens, 3001 S. Belt Line Rd., 972-237-3001

Dec. 8 7 p.m., Branch Library Guild discusses Camouflage by Joe Haldeman, Betty Warmack Branch Library, 760 Bardin Rd., 972-237-5772

Dec. 8-10 3-5 p.m., holiday ornament making for children in elementary grades, Grand Prairie Main Library, free, 901 Conover Dr., 972-237-5700

Dec. 9 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Dec. 11-13 8 p.m., A Christmas Carol – Presented by the Grand Prairie Arts Council, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., for tickets call 972-237-UPTN or visit www.UptownTheaterGP.com, call 972-642-ARTS for more information

Dec. 14 2 p.m., A Christmas Carol – Presented by the Grand Prairie Arts Council, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., for tickets call 972-237-UPTN or visit www.UptownTheaterGP.com, call 972-642-ARTS for more information

Dec. 14 8 p.m., Toby Mac and Relient K, Nokia Theatre, 214-373-8000 or 972-647-5700, www.nokialivedfw.com

Dec. 15 4 p.m., children’s movie – the Pevensie siblings return to Narnia, Main Library, 901 Conover Dr., 972-237-5700

Dec. 15 7 p.m., Planning & Zoning, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8255

Dec. 19-21 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., 972-237-8786 or www.UptownTheaterGP.com

Dec. 22-Jan 4 GPISD, AISD, Mansfield ISD, CHISD Christmas holiday

Dec. 25-26 Christmas holiday, city offices closed

Dec. 31 7 p.m., Asleep at the Wheel New Year’s Eve Concert, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., 972-237-UPTN, UptownTheaterGP.com

Jan. 1 New Year’s Day, city and schools closed

Jan. 2 School holiday all districts

Jan. 6 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Jan. 10 8 p.m., The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237-UPTN

Jan. 10 9-11:30 a.m., Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day, Development Center, 201 NW 2nd St., register: http://www.gptx.org/wq/hhw, 972-237-8055

Jan. 16 Student holiday, Mansfield ISD, Cedar Hill ISD

Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day, city and schools closed

Jan. 20 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Feb. 3 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Feb. 7 8 p.m., The Marvelettes, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237-UPTN

Feb. 16 Student holiday, AISD, Mansfield ISD, Cedar Hill ISD

Feb. 17 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Feb. 21 8 p.m., Tribute to African American Composers Concert, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237- UPTN

Mar. 3 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Mar. 7 8 p.m., Joe Willie ‘Pinetop’ Perkins and Marquise “Big Daddy’ Knox presented in conjunction with the Grammy award winning Blue Shoe Project, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237-UPTN

Mar. 7 9-11:30 a.m., Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day, Development Center, 201 NW 2nd St., register: http://www.gptx.org/wq/hhw, 972-237-8055

Mar. 8 Daylight Saving Time begins. Spring forward one hour.

Mar. 9 Student holiday, Cedar Hill ISD

Mar. 12-15 8 p.m., Godspell, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237-UPTN

Mar. 16-20 Winter break, GPISD, AISD, Mansfield ISD, Cedar Hill ISD

Mar. 17 6:30 p.m., City Council, City Hall, 317 College St., 972-237-8035

Mar. 19-22 8 p.m., Grand Prairie Arts Council’s Nunsense II, Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St., www.UptownTheaterGP.com, 972-237-UPTN

GP Police Shift to 12-Hour Workdays


When Mr. Willis passed out early onemorning, his wife immediately called theGrand Prairie Fire Department via 9-1-1.Paramedics quickly arrived and whiletalking with Mr. Willis, he passed outagain and stopped breathing. Paramedicswere able to defibrillate and restore aheartbeat at 5:40 a.m., saving his life.

“What the Grand Prairie Fire Departmentdid was textbook perfect,” said his son,Harold. “My dad was able to go to his highschool reunion two days later because of the Grand Prairie FireDepartment. Grand Prairie is one of the top ranked emergency medicalservices in the nation.”

In 1999, the Grand Prairie City Council made the decision to bring

emergency medical services in-house andhired 31 paramedics and 12firefighter/paramedics in one budget year,as well as added seven ambulances. Sincethen, we’ve added three more ambulances,and ambulance response time has improvedto an average of 5 minutes 20 secondscompared to 8+ minute responses prior to1999. Today, we are responding to morethan 12,000 EMS calls a year, up from about7,000 ten years ago.

All Grand Prairie fire personnel are dual trained as firefighters andemergency medical service personnel to work in tandem for the benefitof citizens and public safety.

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter, visit www.gptx.org.

Beginning in August, Grand Prairie Policeshifted to a 12-hour workday, putting moreofficers on the streets at a time and reducingovertime, which increases public safety andsaves money.

For the officers, they get bigger chunks oftime off. Officers will work three days on andthree days off, then four days on and fourdays off. This saves them money and fuel intravel to and from work. The switch had tobe approved by the majority of the officers and will be evaluated during 2009as to its success.

“Several other north Texas cities havesuccessfully made the switch and theirofficers seem to really like the workschedule,” said Police Chief Glen Hill. Shiftchanges now overlap, ensuring officers areon the street at all times. “The majority ofour Patrol officers now rotate on and offshift twice daily as opposed to the threemajor shift changes under an eight-hourschedule. We also have a smaller group

of officers who work the 3 p.m.- 3 a.m. shift that beefs up our patrol forceduring peek call load times.”

Police Add Second K-9 Sara, a 3-year-old female Labrador

Retriever, joined the Grand Prairie PoliceDepartment in October. Using herheightened sense of smell, Sara specializesin narcotics. Sara can assist officers forhotel/motel interdiction, highwayinterdiction, traffic stop searches and citizencomplaints. Sara can detect the odors ofmarihuana, cocaine, heroin andmethamphetamine. She is assigned toOfficer Jeff Askin, Directed Patrol Unit of theCriminal Investigations Bureau.

Sara is the department’s second K-9.Patrol has a more aggressive male Belgian Malinois, named Aico, who is dual trained in narcotics and search (if a suspect is running, Aico will catch him/her).

Sara was purchased through donationsand money from the narcotics seizures fund.Crow Holdings donated $2,000; BaumannSprings North America donated $500; DukeRealty Corp donated $1,000; Thorne &Thorne Attorneys donated the concrete andlabor for the kennel valued at $2,000; PatMorris Custom Cabinets built a custom doghouse valued in excess of $1,000; ananonymous City employee donated $100;Cedar Hill Police Chief Steve Rhodesdonated a canine cage for our squad carvalued at $1,700; and Custom Decals Inc.

donated the K-9 decals. Terry Jones, Economic Development, was key inassisting the police raise funds to purchase needed equipment.

Sara was purchased from Southern Star Canine Ranch in Florence, Texas.

Grand Prairie Fire and EMS Respond Daily to Residents Crises


On the GrowDirt is moving on the172-acre Central Park siteon SH 161 betweenWarrior Trail andArkansas Lane – futurehome to Grand Prairie’snew public safety andactive adult centers.Nearly 400,000 cubic

yards of dirt will be moved to create a series of lakes with threewaterfalls. The site will include a loop walking trail and boardwalk withland available for future walking trails, additional park amenities and aretail area that will featurerestaurants. The new 149,000-square-foot Public SafetyBuilding will be constructedfirst and will be three timesthe size of the current facilityon Conover Drive. Scheduledto open in April 2010, thecenter will house Police Administration, Fire Administration, CriminalInvestigations, Field Operations and Support Services, Jail, Police/Fire Communications, Records, Property and Evidence andCommunity Relations. The building will have conference rooms onevery floor – an improvement over the current building’s oneconference room, a jail two times the size of the current facility, anexpanded property room, new crime lab, expanded interview rooms,

ample parking and thelatest technology.Public safety memorialsand memorabilia fromthe city’s first 100 yearsof police and fireservice will beshowcased in the front

lobby . . . Fire Station #214, jointly supported by the cities of GrandPrairie and Cedar Hill, is under construction and scheduled to open inFebruary 2009. Located on 1301 Lake Ridge Parkway, the station willhouse four personnel per shift and one fire engine. All personnel will beemployed by the City of Cedar Hill. Grand Prairie is funding part of thebuilding construction cost and 25 percent of employee salaries.Approximately 20 percent of its service area is in Grand Prairie – theLake Ridge/Tangle Ridge area and a portion of the Lake Joe Poolpeninsula. To watch construction progress visithttp://70.47.1.39/webcam/1.php . . .Construction will begin soon on theLake Parks Rescue Facility, the replacement building for the currentFire Station #7. The current station will be moved from Matthew Road toLake Ridge Parkway near the Lynn Creek Park entrance for improvementof response times. The building will feature a police substation on oneside and the Lake Patrol Division. The 6,500-square-foot building willfeature an information kiosk, offices, a conference room and second

floor for expansion and is scheduled to be complete in December 2009.As a part of this project, Lynn Creek Park Road will be widened to fivelanes and plans are underway to extend Lynn Creek Park Road to StateHighway 360 . . .Scheduled to becomplete by April2010, the newactive adultcenter will befull of amenitiesfor adults ages 50and older. The59,000-square-footfacility will feature an indoor aquatics center with lap pool, an exercisevortex (for swimming against a current), a water aerobics area and largehot tub overlooking the lake. The wet locker area will have showersand a sauna. Other amenities include a small gym for basketball andvolleyball, a fitness area, aerobics room, two classrooms, a display andsales room and a game room with billiards, darts, a big screen televisionand access to a coffee bar. A walking area on the second floor willfeature glass tunnels and views of the lake. The building will also havea 100-seat theater, banquet room with sliding walls, a dining room andfull service commercial kitchen. An outdoor covered patio will include agrill, seating area and fireplace. . . . Construction is underway on a newoutdoor garden special event area on the north side of the RutheJackson Center. The garden will feature a wedding pavilion, lawn,pond and creek with waterfall, trees, sidewalks, landscaping and artsculpture. A masonry fence around the garden will provide privacy foroutdoor events. . . .A new playground and outdoor learning center willbe constructed behind Charley Taylor Recreation Center in 2009 . . .The Veterans Memorial will receive a new perimeter fence andirrigation upgrades in 2009 . . . Fish Creek playground on Allegro Lanewas completed in August . . . Outdoor swimming pools have beenupdated with new infrastructure, slides and a diving board at KirbyCreek indoor pool . . . Erosion control improvements have been madeat Lynn Creek Marina on Lake Joe Pool and on the west end ofTurner Park near the ballfields . . . The 2008 Parks Master Plan isavailable online at www.grandfungp.com . . . Prime Retail will open a480,000-square-foot fashion center on Great Southwest Parkway andSara Jane Parkway (north of Interstate 20 and east of SH 360). Anchorstores will include Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth AvenueOutlet. The center is scheduled to open in late 2009.

Lone Star Trinity TrailOpens in Grand Prairie

John A. DubiskiCareer High School


The GPISD John A. Dubiski Career High School will be 248,000-square-feet, four-stories, cost $62 million and is scheduled to open in August2009 at the corner of SH 161 and Warrior Trail. Five career paths will beavailable at the school: the School of Architecture, Construction,Engineering and Manufacturing; the School of Arts, A/V Technology andCommunications; the School of Business, Marketing, Finance andInformation Technology; the School of Transportation and Logistics; andthe School of Health Science and Technology.

QuikTrip Ballpark, home of the Grand PrairieAirHogs, is the 2008 Ballpark Digest “Best NewBallpark in America”award winner.

Grand Prairie’s Lone Star Trinity Trail, a 3.2-mile section of the NorthCentral Texas Council of Governments’ Veloweb, opened this week. TheVeloweb is a regional trail system designed to stretch across North Texas.The Lone Star Trinity Trail, located in Grand Prairie’s EntertainmentDistrict near Belt Line and I-30, wraps around Lone Star Park, QuikTripBallpark and Nokia Theatre, then meanders along the Trinity River.Walkers may see hawk, fox, bobcat or wild boar along the backside ofthe trail. The trail starts by the Grand Prairie Tourist Center, 2170 N. BeltLine Road, travels south on Belt Line Road, turns east along the TrinityRiver, and then turns north. The 12-foot-wide concrete trail willeventually link with Irving’s Campion Trail to the north and Arlington’sRiver Legacy Trail to the west. The trail includes an equestrian sectionwith a path under the bridge at the Trinity River, two major trail heads,prefabricated bridge, signage, parking, landscaping and wetlandoverlooks along the trail.

The Belt Line Road overpass at Main Street and Jefferson is now open traveling north.South bound lanes are expected to be open by year end.

Beltline Overpass Open

Best New Ballpark Award


Grand Prairie Communication Programs Win Nine National Awards

ATMOS Program to Help Reduce Energy UseAtmos Energy’s “Keeping the Warmth” helps qualified customers reduce energy use and save money. Qualifying low-income and senior citizens

may get up to $200 in energy-saving materials to help make their homes more energy-efficient. Materials such as caulking, weather-stripping,

window sealing, water heater blanket and insulation will be offered and can be installed by independent third parties.

To enroll, call 1-888-286-6700. Visit www.atmosenergy.com for more information.

City of Grand Prairie marketing and communication programs tooktop national awards in the annual City-County Communications andMarketing Association (3CMA) Savvy Awards Competition. Thisprestigious and competitive process recognizes the best of the best incity and county public relations, public information and marketingefforts across the United States.

Winning programs were (some entries won in multiple catagoies):

t Police Recruitment Communication Plan

t Police MySpace Site

t WOW! Working on Wellness employee newsletter

t Annual Calendar

t Sales Tax Election Public Education Plan

t Prairie LightsCommunications Plan

“We are thrilledto be recognizedby the leaders inour profession,”said city of GrandPrairie Communi-cations DirectorAmy Sprinkles.“Our team workshard to offer the best incommunicationtools to our citizens. We like to try new things, get out of the box,and experiment with creativity. We make sure we’ve been thorough,creative and accurate.”

Have you ever seen a City of GrandPrairie truck sitting in front of a firehydrant that was wide open allowingwater to flow down the street? Whenyou passed that truck, did you askyourself “Why are they wasting water?”Well, there are many reasons why weare flushing these hydrants and all ofthem have to do with protecting publichealth.

Dead End Flushing All cities in thestate of Texas are required to flushareas of their water system called deadends. Dead ends in the water system arelike dead ends on the street; they are points of no return. Water inthese areas is flushed at least once a month to maintain disinfectantresidual and palatable water

New Construction Before new water lines are put into service,they are disinfected with chlorine. Since the disinfection dosage isso high, the water in the pipe must be “dumped” and replacedwith potable water before customers can use it.

Super Chlorinating Just as you have to clean your car or bathtub, the water system has to be occasionally cleaned. This cleaningis accomplished by adding high doses of chlorine to the pipes, aprocess called Super-Chlorination. Super-chlorinated water cannotbe consumed by the public, so it must be “dumped”. After allowing

the high chlorine dose to do its work,usually overnight, a fire hydrant isopened to release the non-drinkablewater.

Water Quality Occasionally, citizenswill contact city offices with concernsabout the taste, odor, or appearance oftheir water. In addition to checking ourwater system and collecting analyticalsamples, city crews will often open firehydrants to “dump” water of poor quality and “pull” water of favorablequality to the area of concern.

Unidirectional Flushing Program This is a method of cleaningthe water mainlines through a network of flushing sequences withthe water being discharged from a fire hydrant. A UDF programinvolves closing valves in a specific sequence to create watermovement in one direction while opening specific hydrants at theend of that sequence.

Fire Department Tests Annually, the Fire Department is requiredto test water system to make sure adequate pressure exists to fightfires. This system check may include opening fire hydrants.

For more information regarding fire hydrant flushing, visit: http://www.gptx.org/EnvironmentalServices/WaterQuality/FireHydrantFlushing.aspx.

Why is the Water Running?

Communications Staff:Whitney Fowler,Cami McKillop, Amy Sprinkles

Life is Grand! H Recreation Classes

Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GrandFunGP.com H 972-237- 8100 9

A L L N E W !

Fi n d yo u r f u n h e r eFacilities page 10

Sports in the Community page 11

Aquatics page 12

Youth page 14

Tweens and Teens page 17

Grown Ups page 19

Active Adults page 22

Special Events for Fall page 26

Parks Map and Matrix page 28

After School/Holiday Camps page 30

Your Parks Department and You page 32

Meet our staff…Happy to help youRick Herold - Director of Parks and [email protected] 972-237-8375

Danny Boykin - Sr. Superintendent of [email protected] 972-237-8084

Tim Shinogle - Manager of Park Planning and [email protected] 972-237-8104

Duane Strawn - Manager of Parks and Lake [email protected] 972-237-8106

Linda Long - Sr. Recreation [email protected] 972-237-8243

Bob McGlothlin - Sr. Superintendent of Lake [email protected] 817-467-2104

Gregg Driggers - GP Memorial Gardens General [email protected] 972-237-3001

Chip Nami - Ruthe Jackson Center General [email protected] 972-237-7501

Elspeth McDonald - Uptown Theater General [email protected] 972-237-8409

Amanda Alms - Aquatics [email protected] 972-263-8174

Parish Lowery - Bowles Life Center [email protected] 972-237-7529

Rosalind Miller - Dalworth Rec. Center [email protected] 972-264-7670

Michael Levy - Charley Taylor Rec. Center [email protected] 972-264-6890

Dan Conoley - Senior Citizen Center [email protected] 972-264-4975

Doug Beich - Special Events [email protected] 972-237-8112

Susan Henson - Horticulturist/[email protected] 972-237-8102

Rod Hayes - [email protected] 972-237-7533

Chris Cato - Marketing [email protected] 972-237-8355

Kelly Eddlemon - Marketing [email protected] 972-237-8339

Beverly Grogan - Lake Parks Special [email protected] 972-237-8329

Gary Yakesch - Business Operations [email protected] 972-237-8178

Gold Medal Winner 2008-2009

Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GrandFunGP.com10

Administration326 W. Main St. • 972-237-8100

Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

AthleticsBowles Life Center • 2750 Graham St. • 972-237-7533Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Bowles Life Center2750 Graham St. • 972-237-7529

Mon-Thurs 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. (5 a.m. for Grand Plan members)Fri 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. (5 a.m. for Grand Plan members)Sat 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sun 1 - 6 p.m.

Charley Taylor Recreation Center601 E. Grand Prairie Road • 972-264-6890

Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sun 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Church Street Nutrition Center503 W. Church St. • 972-262-6673

Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dalworth Recreation Center2012 Spikes St. • 972-264-7670

Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sat 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sun 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Kirby Creek Indoor Pool3201 Corn Valley Road • 972-263-8174

Mon-Thurs 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.Fri-Sat 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Senior Center925 Conover Dr. • 972-264-4975

Mon & Tues 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.Wed & Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.Thurs 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ATHLETIC FIELD RENTALRent your own athletic field for $10/hour without lights

and $15/hour with lights. All fees must be paid in full prior to use of the field. Reservations may be made in person

at 2750 Graham St. or by phone at 972-237-7533.

To reserve for: Call on or after:Monday and Tuesday FridayWednesday MondayThursday TuesdayFriday and Saturday WednesdaySunday Thursday

Recreation Facilities

NRPA Gold Medal Winner 2008 - 2009 11

Sports in the CommunityGrand Prairie Boys Baseball Inc.(GPBBI)Season starts Monday, March 23, 2009.Boys Baseball has a level of play foreveryone from the beginner tocompetitive. Games are played at JenniferMcFalls West, Charley Taylor andWaggoner parks depending on the agedivision. And, we’re forming a 3-4 age T-Ball league known as Wam Ball in 2009.Visit our Web site at www.gpbbi.org

Spring league registration will be:

t 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24

t 6 - 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29

t 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31

t Late registration will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 with an additional $10 fee added to the registration fee.

Registration Fees:

t Ages 3 - 4 $50 (Includes t-shirt and hat)t Ages 5 - 6 $60 (Includes uniform) t Ages 7 - 8 $90 (Includes uniform)t Ages 9 - 14 $100 (Includes uniform)League registration will be held at the Grand Prairie Boys Baseball office,113 S. Center St. in downtown Grand Prairie.

Grand Prairie Youth Football Association (GPYFA)Grand Prairie Youth Football Association provides a tackle and flag football program for Grand Prairie youth. Also, GPYFA has a Cheerleading program thatcoincides with the fall football season. All games are played Saturdaysbeginning in August. Registration is on going.

t Jan. 10, 2009 - All-Sports Registration at the Bowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St.

t Feb. 7, 2009 - Returning player signups at the Church St. Center,

503 W. Church St.

t March 7, 2009 - Open signups at the Church St. Center, 503 W. Church St.

Registration Fees:

Flag Football - $45Tackle Football - $100Cheerleading - $220

For more information please visit our Web sites at www.gpyfa.net(football) and (cheerleading) or call the hotline at 972-237-5919.

Grand Prairie Soccer Association (GPSA)d Prairie Soccer Grand Prairie Soccer Association provides soccer leagues for all ages,including adults. Games are played at the 18-field Mountain Creek Soccercomplex. Soccer registration for the spring season runs now through Jan. 31, 2009. Signup hours are:

t 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays Nov.-Jan. at the GPSA office, 2305 Oak Lane #127

t 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturdays in January at Mountain Creek Soccer Complex.

Registration Fees:

t Under 6 – Under 10 - $80 (Includes uniforms, practice sessions and insurance)

t Under 11 – Under 19 - $75 (Includes practice sessions and insurance)

t Adults - $70 (includes insurance)

Visit our Web site at www.gpsoccer.net, or call 972-264-4424.

Grand Prairie Girls Softball Association (GPGSA)Girls Softball provides a variety of leaguesand levels for those wanting to play and learnthe game of fastpitch softball. Games areplayed at Jennifer McFalls East Park. GirlsSoftball sign-ups will be conducted Saturdaysfrom 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 9-March 14 atJennifer McFalls East Park.

Registration Fees:

Blast Ball (3-4) - $25

Under 6 and Under 8 - $65

Under 10, Under 12 and older - $75Fees include uniforms and supplemental insurance

Visit our Web site at www.gpgirlssoftball.com or call 469-767-9107.

Are you a Grand PrairieParks and Rec VIP?

Join the Grand Fun E-Club and stay on top of all the

excitement in Grand Prairie! Join for FREE and receive:

H Parks and recreation discounts

Special offers H News about new parks, programs and special events

Go to www.GrandFunGP.com/GrandFunClub to join.

Aquatics

Kirby Creek Heated Indoor Pool H 972-263 - 817412

Adult - (AD) Mature LearnersJust starting out or want to start training? This class will teach youeverything from floating to efficient strokes at a personalized speed. Smallclasses for individual attention. Fee: $45. Course # Days Dates Time7501 7502 7503 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 8 - 8:45 p.m. 7504 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 12 - 12:45 p.m.

Private Lessons – (PR) All Ages. One-on-one attention will focus on what the student wants tolearn at a personal pace. Inquire at the pool. Fee: $90.

First Splash – (FS) Parent/TotA 30-minute class, this “Mommy/Daddy & Me” program helps youngchildren ages 6 months to 3 years become more comfortable in andaround the water with your help. An adult is required to participate inclass. Fee: $30.Course # Days Dates Time7454 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 10:15 - 10:45 a.m. 7455 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6:30 - 7 p.m. 7450 7451 7452 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Level 0 – (L0) Preschool A 30-minute preschool class for young beginners. This introduction to thepool is safe and comfortable for all. A group lesson without a guardian inthe water. Fee: $35.Course # Days Dates Time 7460 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 10:15 - 10:45 a.m.7461 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6 - 6:30 p.m.7463 7464 7465 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.7467 7468 7469 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 7 - 7:30 p.m.

Level 1 – (L1) Water Exploration A 30-minute water exploration class that teaches the basics of assistedswimming, as well as an orientation to deep water swimming. Studentswill be without a guardian in the water and must be comfortable puttingtheir face in the water. Fee: $35.Course # Days Dates Time7471 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 10:50 - 11:20 a.m.7472 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6 - 6:30 p.m. 7474 7475 7477 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 1 - 1:30 p.m. 7478 7479 7480 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 7 - 7:30 p.m

Level 2 – (L2) Primary Skills A 40-minute primary skills class to learn the basic skills necessary to swimunassisted. Students must be comfortable on their own, fully submerged inan area where they can touch. Fee: $45. Course # Days Dates Time7482 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 10:50 - 11:30 a.m.7483 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6:35 - 7:15 p.m.7485 7486 7487 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 7 - 7:40 p.m.

Level 3 – (L3) Stroke Readiness A 40-minute stroke readiness class that builds on coordinating front andback strokes while increasing basic endurance. Swimmers must be able topush off the wall unassisted swimming front crawl and backstroke for 10strokes. Fee: $45.Course # Days Dates Time7489 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 11:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.7490 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6:35 - 7:15 p.m.7492 7493 7494 T/Th Sessions 1, 2 ,3 7:35 - 8:15 p.m.

Level 4 – (L4) Stroke Development A 40-minute class on stroke development of the basic front and back strokeswhile introducing breaststroke, sidestroke, dolphin kick, treading water andfront dives. Students should be able to swim the width of the pool. Fee: $45.Course # Days Dates Time7496 Sat 1/10 - 2/28 11:40 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.7497 7498 7499 T/Th Sessions 1, 2, 3 7:35 - 8:15 p.m.

Level 5/6 – SPLASH Stroke ClinicJoin this fun-filled group designed to introduce skills and techniques forswimming as a competitive sport. Practices focus on stroke technique andendurance training to new swimmers, as well as more advanced athletes.Spend this season swimming with us! Fee: $45.Course # Days Dates Time7553 M/W 1/5 - 3/25 7 - 7:45 p.m. 7539 T/Th 1/6 - 3/26 7 - 7:45 p.m.

Home School - Daytime ClassesSchool aged daytime classes will be broken down into Beginners,Intermediate and Advanced. Fee: $35.Course # Days Dates Time7457 M/W Jan 1 - 1:45 p.m. 7458 M/W Feb 1 - 1:45 p.m.7459 M/W Mar 1 - 1:45 p.m.

American Red Cross Learn To Swim LessonsRegistration is first come first serve, so register early due to limited enrollment in each class. Call 972-263-8174 or stop by today

at the Kirby Creek heated indoor pool, 3201 Corn Valley Road.

Session 1 • T/Th Session 2 • T/Th Session 3 • T/Th Wed Session Sat SessionJan 6 - 29 Feb 3 - 26 Mar 3 - 26 Jan 14 – Mar 4 Jan 10 – Feb 28

REDUCED RATE SESSION6 classes - Dec 2-18,2008

WAHOO Competitive USA Team The main goal of this age appropriate competitive team is to help youngathletes have fun as they benefit from the great sport of swimming. Trytoday with a free practice! Fee: $35/month.Course # Days Dates Time7540 7541 7542 M-F School Year 4:15 - 6 p.m.

BLAZE - Adaptive Swimming Introduce swimming to the young person in your life with special needs.Classes are organized to fit the needs of all participants. Parents orguardians may assist in the water if needed. Fee: $25 season.Course # Days Dates Time7544 Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6 - 7 p.m.

Aquatic Fitness

Stimulate and tone your muscles while building confidence and self-esteem inthe water. Great instructors and coaches are waiting for you today!

ALL POOL PASSPasses can be used for open swim or adult lap swim at Kirby Creek

and all city outdoor pools.

Kirby Pass - $40 for 30 visits Annual Pass - $100Family Pass - $250 (Family of four)

Lap Swim/Water Walking – Kirby Creek IndoorCome in for a great workout or just to relax your muscles in our 25-meterheated indoor pool. Swim, walk or float to tone and strengthen your body.Rehabilitate injured or sore muscles in the water. Come in and check it out.Fee: $2 daily or annual pass.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A T/Th year-round 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.N/A M/W/F year-round 8 - 9 a.m.N/A M/W/F year-round 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Arthur-cize – Kirby Creek Indoor – The Wellness Workout The Arthritis Foundation and Kirby Creek offer this year-round wellnessclass with exercises including range-of-motion workouts, musclestrengthening and endurance building activities. This class is fun and greatexercise. Registration is continuous. Fees: $3 single/$5 couple daily or $30 single/$50 couple monthly.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A M-F year-round 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Wetworks – Kirby Creek Indoor – The Aerobic Workout This unique water exercise works you out aerobically, tones, strengthensand burns fat. It’s fun, good for you and offered year round. The workoutis excellent in promoting cardiovascular fitness. Vernetta Turner and herstaff of expertly trained instructors teach it. Classes are unlimited andregistration is continuous. Fee: $38/single; $34/senior 55+; $59 couples;$34 student.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A M/W/F/S year-round 9 - 10 a.m.N/A M/T/TH year-round 6 - 7 p.m.

Pool Parties

Have a Party at the Pool! – Kirby Creek Heated Indoor PoolMake a splash at your next party with a private party rental, with theindoor pool to yourself on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Open swim partyrentals, during open swim hours, are available on Saturdays. All guestsattending a party are included in the party count and fee. Reservations arescheduled in person at Kirby Creek on a first come first serve basis andrequire a full payment with completed contract in advance. Check foravailability, 972-263-8174. Fee: $150.

Private Party: Max 40 guests included; fees increase with additional guests.

Days Date TimeF/Sat weekly 6:30 - 9 p.m.Sun weekly 2 - 5 p.m.; 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Open Swim Party: 3 Tables/Max 40 guests included; $2 each additionalguest. Fee: $75.Day Date TimeSat weekly 1 - 3 p.m.; 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Life Guarding

NEW! American Red Cross Lifeguard ClassesInterested in learning about how you can help save lives? Kirby CreekIndoor Pool has a Lifeguarding, CPR for the Professional Rescuer and FirstAid certifications for you. Successful completion of all course work willaward a three-year certification. Register for all classes at the Kirby CreekNatatorium. Fee: $150.Prerequisite:t Must be 15 years of age on or before the end of the scheduled courset Must be able to pass the pre-course testt 300 yard swim as follows:

n 100 yards of front crawl, n 100 yards of breaststroke, n 100 yards of either stroke

t Swim 20 yards using front crawl or breaststroke, surface dive to adepth of 7-10 ft, retrieve a 10-pound object, return to the surface, andswim 20 yards back to the starting point to exit the water without using steps or ladder in 1 minute, 40 seconds.

Day Date TimesSat 12/13 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sun 12/14 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Mon - Thurs 12/15-12/18 4 - 7 p.m.

Aquatics


Bowles 972-237-7529 H Charley Taylor 972-264-6890 H Dalworth 972-264-767014

All-Sports Registration10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009

Bowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St.One place, one time…sign your child up for youth sports leagues and meet the local leaders in the Grand Prairie youth sport associations.

All the associations will be present to give you information for all theupcoming youth sports leagues. Questions, call 972-237-7533.

Basketball - Texas Phenoms Academy Skills ClinicAges 6-18. Whether you are picking up a basketball for the first timeor looking for basketball scholarships, we have just the class for you!The principles of basketball (passing, shooting, dribbling and defense) and then some will be covered. Class will be taught by longtime AAUbasketball coach and mentor Stacy Houston of nationally recognizedAAU basketball program TEAM TEXAS. For more information, call214-650-6864 or 972-264-7670. Fee: $25/month.Course # Days Dates Time7572 Sun 12/14 2 - 6 p.m. 7574 Sun 1/4 2 - 6 p.m.7575 Sun 2/1 2 - 6 p.m.7576 Sun 3/1 2 - 6 p.m.

Basketball League – Charley TaylorAges 6-8. This co-ed league provides a great foundation for your child’sbasketball skills. In eight games we will focus on the fundamentals andfun. Children will play with 8’ basketball goals and size 27.5 balls. CallChris 972-264-6890 to register by Dec. 19. Coaches needed too! Fee: $55/player (includes jersey and trophy).Course # Days Dates Time7577 Sat 1/10-3/7 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Basketball Tiny Tots Camp - Dalworth Ages 3-6. Looking for an opportunity to expose your child to the game of basketball? Our Tiny Tot Basketball Camp will introduce your child to the basics of basketball through drills, coaching and instructional game play. In this class, EVERY KID IS A WINNER! Fee: $30.Course # Days Dates Time7313 Wed Dec 6 - 7 p.m.7314 Wed Jan 6 - 7 p.m.7315 Wed Feb 6 - 7 p.m.

Basketball Junior NBA/WNBA Youth League - DalworthAges 9-12, 8 and younger. This league will help establish a goodfoundation and allow kids an outlet to remain physically and sociallyinvolved in a positive atmosphere. Players will practice with their teamsonce a week. All players will receive jersey and awards when league iscompleted. Fee: $75.Course # Days Dates Time7321 (9-12 yr old) Sat 1/10 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 7322 (8 < yr old) Sat 1/10 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Basketball Mighty Mite - Charley TaylorAges 3-5. Your preschooler will learn the basics of basketball. Come outfor this fun class of learning! Parent participation is encouraged. Fee: $30 per child. Course # Days Dates Time7329 Tue 12/16 - 1/6 5:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Youth - Ages 2-12

Aquatics - Special Events Kirby Creek Indoor Pool Holiday HoursSwim on your day off at the heated indoor pool! Fee: $2.Days Dates Open Swim TimesSat 12/20 1 - 6 p.m.Closed Sun 12/21Mon-Tues 12/22-23 1 - 4 p.m.Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas DayFri-Sat 12/26-27 1 - 6 p.m.Closed Sunday 12/28Mon-Wed 12/29-31 1 - 4 p.m.Closed New Year’s DayFri-Sat 1/2-3 1 - 6 p.m.

Middle School MadnessWinter Break KickoffHey Middle Schoolers, we have a party foryou. Come on over to the pool to kick offyour winter break with a SPLASH. Enjoyswimming, diving, music, munchies andmore. Fee: $5.Days Dates TimeFri 12/19 6 - 9 pm

Basketball Pre-K League - Charley TaylorAges 3-5. SWISH!! It's back after a successful inaugural season. This sixweek league focuses on fundamentals of basketball. Your child will learndribbling, passing and shooting in a non-competitive atmosphere. Spots will not be held until payment is received. Jersey included. Fee: $50 per child.Course # Days Dates Time7305 Sat 1/17 - 2/21 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Camp Pre K - Charley TaylorAges 4-5. ABC, 123!!! Shapes! Colors! And much more!!! This four weekclass makes learning fun for your child. Arts and crafts, gym time andlearning in creative ways. This class gives your child a jump onkindergarten success. Fee: $80/child. Course # Days Dates Time7330 M/W/F Dec 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.7331 M/W/F Jan 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.7332 M/W/F Feb 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

Create3 - DalworthAges 3-5. Create, create, create arts and crafts! This weekly class will giveyour child the opportunity to have fun creating and finishing a project totake home. Instructions and supplies will be available at each class. Eachsession will introduce a new project to be completed by your child. Pleasedress appropriately and tie back long hair. Fee: $30/month. Course # Days Dates Time7318 F Dec 2 - 3 p.m.7319 F Jan 2 - 3 p.m. 7320 F Feb 2 - 3 p.m. N/A F Mar 2 - 3 p.m.

Daddy/Daughter Dance -Ruthe Jackson CenterDaughters and fathers of all agesare invited to attend this specialevening of dancing and dining.Dinner is from 7-8 p.m. anddancing is from 8-10 p.m. All participants whopre-register will receivedinner and a memorable gift. A photographer will be on site to takepictures at an additional fee beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be hostedby the Charley Taylor Recreation Center staff, 972-264-6890. Tickets for theevent can be purchased in advance at Charley Taylor Recreation Centernow to Thursday, Feb. 12. After that tickets will be sold at the door. Fee: $20/person.Course # Days Dates Time7436 F 2/13 7 - 10 p.m

Daddy/Daughter Dance - Bowles Life CenterDaughters and fathers of all ages are invited to attend this special eveningof dancing and dining. The dance will take place from 7-9 p.m. and lightrefreshments will be served. All participants will receive a special gift andan evening full of special memories. A photographer will be on site to takepictures at an additional fee beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for the BowlesDance must be purchased through the Bowles Life Center. Fee: $10/person.Course # Days Dates Time7435 F 2/6 7 - 9 p.m.

ESL Preschool - Charley TaylorAges 3-5. Do your children only speak Spanish and you want to get themready for school? Children can learn the basics of English to get them readyfor kindergarten. Tiene a un nino que solo habla Espanol, y quiere prepararlopara la escuela. Fee: $15/month.Course # Days Dates Time7281 M/W Dec 1 - 2 p.m.7282 M/W Jan 1 - 2 p.m.7283 M/W Feb 1 - 2 p.m.N/A M/W Mar 1 - 2 p.m.

Fitness - BowlesAges 3-6. It Starts in Parks! This class will introduce youngsters to sportand exercise activities aimed to improve hand and eye coordination.Participants will run, jump, hop and skip. This 45-minute class is full ofnon-stop fitness fun! Fee: $20.Course # Days Dates Time7386 Sat Dec 12 - 1 p.m.7387 Sat Jan 12 - 1 p.m.7388 Sat Feb 12 - 1 p.m.7389 Sat Mar 12 - 1 p.m.

Football NFL Youth Flag LeagueAges 9-12. This outstanding league will provide a great way for kids tolearn basic fundamentals of football and continue their development in thesport. Registration Jan. 5-Feb. 27; season starts April 4. To register, call 972-237-7533. Fee: $65/player.Course # Days Dates Time7587 Sat Apr-May 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Home School InstructorsCharley Taylor Recreation Center is available throughout the regular

school day for physical education classes. Call the center at 972-264-6890 toset up a time to use the gym. All equipment will be supplied by the center.

Jr. Olympic Skills Competition – BowlesAges 8-13. This FREE skills competition gives boys and girls the chance toshowcase their athletic abilities in basketball, soccer, tennis and track. Kidscan participate in any of the sports and advance to national finals. Boysand girls compete separately. Register Jan. 5-March 13. Fee: FREE.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri March 20 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Karate-Tae Kwon Do - Charley Taylor Ages 6+. Come experience traditional Tae Kwon Do. You will learn Karate from white belt through black belt. Emphasis is placed on self-discipline and self-esteem. Charley Taylor classes are taught by 9th degree black belt Bill Simpson. Fee: $45.Course # Days Dates Time7304 T/Th Nov 6:30 - 8 p.m.7324 T/Th Dec 6:30 - 8 p.m.7325 T/Th Jan 6:30 - 8 p.m.7326 T/Th Feb 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Youth - Ages 2-12



Lil’ Tots - Let’s Get Active - Charley TaylorAges 3-5. This is a fun-filled four-week class that is focused on physicaland social development. Your child will participate in a multitude ofgames, songs and parachute play. Children will also be introduced tobasketball, t-ball, soccer, track and field and more! Fee: $20/child.Course # Days Dates Time7310 T/Th Dec 10:30 a.m.

Pro-Mo-Active Kidz - Charley TaylorAges 6-12. This is a fitness class designed for children. This will get thekids active and working out while teaching them the importance of eatingright and being healthy. Class lasts four weeks. Fee: $30/month. Course # Days Dates Time7242 Th Dec 6 - 7 p.m.7243 Th Jan 6 - 7 p.m.7244 Th Feb 6 - 7 p.m.N/A Th Mar 6 - 7 p.m.

Soccer Clinics - BowlesAges 3-6. Join us for a morning of soccer fun. Tiny Tot Soccer Clinics include 90 minutes of instruction and play. These soccer clinics are great preparation for the Bowles Spring Soccer League! Fee: $10.Course # Days Dates Time7374 Sat 12/6 9 - 11:30 a.m.7376 Sat 3/14 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Soccer League - Mountain Creek Soccer ComplexAges 5-18. This recreational league provides a great way for kids tocontinue their development in soccer and offers an outlet to remainphysically and socially involved in a positive atmosphere. Throughorganized play, we teach good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty andcourage. Call 972-264-4424 to register. Fee: returning player $65/player;new player: $85/player.Course # Days Dates Time7586 Sat 2/21-5/23 Varies

Spanish Preschool - DalworthAges 3-5. This class will teach English-speaking preschoolers the basics ofSpanish. Fee: $15/month plus center membership.Course # Days Dates Time7284 M/W Dec noon - 1 p.m. 7285 M/W Jan noon - 1 p.m. 7286 M/W Feb noon - 1 p.m.N/A M/W Mar noon - 1 p.m.

T-Ball Clinics - BowlesAges 3-6. T-Ball time for tots! Clinic will include 90 minutes of instructionin the basics of swinging a bat, throwing, running and coordinationexercises and play. Fee: $10.Course # Days Dates Time7442 Tue 3/19 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Tennis Program - SGPHS Tennis CourtsAges 6-14. Children will learn the basic skills of tennis. The instructor willteach fundamentals such as the forehand, backhand and serve. Programregistration: Jan. 5-March 2. Program starts: March 14. To register, call 972-237-7533. Fee: $25. Course # Days Dates Time7377 Sat 3/14-4/11 9 - 11 a.m.

TAAF Track ProgramAges 6-14. If you are looking for a program that keeps your child inshape and participates in competitive meets, this is it. This team willcompete in track meets in DFW with the chance to advance to a statemeet. Registration: March 2-May 1 by calling 972-237-7533. Fee: $45/person includes uniform.Course # Days Dates Time7588 Sat 5/16-7/25 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tumbling for Fun - Pre Tumblers - Charley TaylorAges 3-5. Tumbling stars will learn basic tumbling moves beginning withthe log roll, crab walk, forward roll and front straddle roll. Tumbling isgreat for developing coordination skills. All children should wearcomfortable clothing and tennis shoes. Girls should tie back long hair.Class lasts four weeks. Fee: $25.Course # Days Dates Time7374 Tue Dec 6 - 7 p.m.7275 Tue Jan 6 - 7 p.m.7280 Tue Feb 6 - 7 p.m.N/A Tue Mar 6 - 7 p.m.

Volleyball Youth League - BowlesAges 10-16. This outstanding league provides a great way for kids tocontinue their development in volleyball and offers an outlet to remainphysically and socially involved in a positive atmosphere. Leagueregistration: Jan. 2-Feb. 27. Season Starts: April 4. Call 972-237-7533 toregister. Fee: $45/player.Course # Days Dates Time7444 Sat 4/4-5/23 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Coaches Needed!Interested in coaching a sports league with 3-5 year olds?

Charley Taylor Recreation Center is looking for coaches who can help in soccer, basketball, flag football and t-ball leagues. If you areinterested, please contact Chris at 972-264-6890 or at [email protected].

Background check will be required before coaching.

Youth - Ages 2-12


All-Sports Registration10 a.m. – 2 p.m. • Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009

Bowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St.One place, one time…sign your child up for youth sports leagues and meet the local leaders in the Grand Prairie youth sport associations.

All the associations will be present to give you information for all theupcoming youth sports leagues. Questions, call 972-237-7533.

Basketball - Texas PhenomsAcademy Skills Clinic -Dalworth Ages 6-18. Whether you are pickingup a basketball for the first time or looking for basketball scholarships,we have just the class for you! Theprinciples of basketball (passing,shooting, dribbling and defense) andthen some will be covered. Class will be taught by longtime AAU basketballcoach and mentor Stacy Houston ofnationally recognized AAU basketballprogram TEAM TEXAS. For moreinformation, call 214-650-6864 or 972-264-7670. Fee: $25/month.Course # Days Dates Time7572 Sun 12/14 2 - 6 p.m. 7574 Sun 1/4 2 - 6 p.m.7575 Sun 2/1 2 - 6 p.m.7576 Sun 3/1 2 - 6 p.m.

Basketball 3 on 3 Tournaments - Bowles Ages 12-19. Join the First Annual Holiday Hoops 3 on 3 and Spring BreakChallenge! Tournament play will be divided into two divisions: 12-15 and16-19. Each team is guaranteed a minimum of three games. For moreinformation, call the Bowles Life Center at 972-237-7529. Fee: $20/team.Course # Days Dates Time7416 Sat 12/13 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.7417 Th 3/19 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Hip Hop - BowlesIf you like to dance, then the Bowles Life Center Hip Hop Team wantsyou to dance with us! Experienced and beginner dancers are welcome.The dance team focuses on group routines and performances. Free withBowles Life Center membership.Course # Day Dates Time7356 M/W Dec 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.7357 M/W Jan 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.7358 M/W Feb 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.7359 M/W Mar 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Karate-Tae Kwon Do -Charley Taylor Ages 6+. Come experiencetraditional Tae Kwon Do. Youwill learn Karate from whitethrough black belt. Emphasis isplaced on self-discipline and self-esteem. Classes are taught by 9thdegree black belt Bill Simpson. Fee: $45.

Course # Days Dates Time 7304 T/Th Nov 6:30 - 8 p.m.7324 T/Th Dec 6:30 - 8 p.m.7325 T/Th Jan 6:30 - 8 p.m.7326 T/Th Feb 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Martial Arts/Yoshinkan Aikido - DalworthAges 12+; 18+. Yoshinkan Aikido is a practical martial art that stressesformality, etiquette and customs. Training includes “ukemi” the art of fallingcorrectly, throwing, joint lock, relaxation under stress, developing balanceand “atemi” or strikes. The beauty of Yoshinkan Aikido is that it allowsanyone, regardless of age, strength or gender, to learn and master theprinciples. Students are encouraged to practice and learn at their ownpace. Fee: $50/month. Course # Days Dates Time7276 M/Th Nov-Feb 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tweens and Teens

A D A P T I V E S P O R T SAges 6-16. BlazeSports America offers community-

-based sport, recreation, physical activity, and healthylifestyle programs for children with physical disabilities.

Whether you dream of being a Paralympic athlete, just wantto shoot some hoops, or learn to swim, BlazeSports America has the programfor you! At BlazeSports Grand Prairie, we invite children and adults to joinour developing program. Children can participate in adapted tennis, golf,basketball, swimming, and volleyball throughout the year. Adults are invitedto participate as coaches and volunteers. Call Chris at 972-264-6890,[email protected], or Mariana at 972-237-7532, [email protected].

BLAZE – Open Play BasketballLocation: Charley Taylor Recreation Center. Free.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Sat ongoing 1 - 2 p.m.

BLAZE – Wheelchair TennisLocation: Charley Taylor Recreation Center. Free.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Sat ongoing 2 - 3 p.m.

BLAZE/GPA Adaptive SwimmingLocation: Kirby Creek Natatorium. Fee: $25 for a 10-week session. Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed 1/14 - 3/4 6 - 7 p.m.


Tweens and Teens

18

Ping Pong League - DalworthAges 16+. Are you a power or finesseplayer? Do you smash or spin?

Whatever your game, bring it to the Dalworth Recreation Center andparticipate in our ping pong league. Each match will be best of seven upto 21 points (win by 2). Every game will be played on our brand new“state of the art” ping pong table. For information, call Marshawn Wilks,972-264-7670. Fee: $20.Course # Days Dates Time7245 Wed Nov-Feb 7 - 9 p.m.

Soccer League - Mountain Creek Soccer ComplexAges 5-18. This recreational league provides a great way for kids tocontinue their development in soccer and offers an outlet to remainphysically and socially involved in a positive atmosphere. Throughorganized play, we teach good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty andcourage. Call 972-264-4424 to register. Fee: returning player $65/player;new player: $85/player.Course # Days Dates Time7559 Sat 2/21-5/23 Varies

Teen Nights - Charley TaylorAges 12-17. Experience a great time at the Rec with basketball, amotivational message and dinner. Open to all teens. Monday nightsthroughout the winter. Call Center for schedule update. Free. Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Mon on-going 7 - 9 p.m.

Teen Thursdays - BowlesAges 12-18. Teen Time on Thursday nights is an opportunity for teens tohave a good time with friends while participating is some great activities!Activities include: 3 on 3 basketball tournaments; XBOX, Playstation andWii Tournaments; pool, ping pong and air hockey tournaments; guestspeakers, special events, volunteer opportunities and computer lab time inthe library. $2 entry fees apply to some tournaments. $20/team fee forteen 3 on 3 tournaments.Course # Days Dates Time7382 Th Dec 6 - 8 p.m.7383 Th Jan 6 - 8 p.m.7384 Th Feb 6 - 8 p.m.7385 Th Mar 6 - 8 p.m.

Tennis Program -SGPHS Tennis CourtsAges 6-14. Children willlearn the basic skills oftennis, including forehand,backhand and serve at the SGPHS tennis courts.Program registration Jan. 5-March 2; programstarts March 14. Toregister, call 972-237-7533.Fee: $25.Course # Days Dates Time7377 Sat 3/14-4/11 9 - 11 a.m.

TAAF Track Program Ages 6-14. If you arelooking for a program thatkeeps your child in shapeand participates in meets,this is it. This team willcompete in track meets inDFW, with the chance toadvance to a state meet.Registration: March 2-May1, by calling 972-237-7533.Fee: $45/person includesuniform.Course # Days Dates Time7588 Sat 5/16-7/25 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Volleyball Youth League - BowlesAges 10-16. This outstanding league provides a great way for kids tocontinue their development in volleyball and offers an outlet to remainphysically and socially involved in a positive atmosphere. Leagueregistration: Jan. 2-Feb. 27; season starts: April 4. To register, call 972-237-7533. Fee: $45/player.Course # Days Dates Time7444 Sat 4/4-5/23 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Volunteer CoachesWant to become a volunteer coach? Well, there are three easy steps:

1. Pick a sport.2. Contact the Athletic Office, 972-237-7533.3. Fill out application (background checks and drug tests are completed on all applicants).

Volunteers NeededThe Charley Taylor Recreation Center is looking for teens

who are interested in helping out at the rec. Whether it be for school community service or just for fun,

we have something that you can help with! Call us at 972-264-6890.

Wii Sports Tournaments - Charley TaylorAges 10-17. Come out and have some fun playing against your friendswith the Nintendo Wii. We also have Playstation 2. Free.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed Dec-Feb TBA

XBOX 360 NBA 2K8/Madden Tournament - DalworthAges 13+. Think you got game on the sticks? Then come on down for avideo game tournament on our brand new XBOX 360 and 50” flat screentelevision. Tournaments will take place every two weeks. Top twofinishers will receive $20 and $10 gift cards of their choice. For moreinformation, call Marshawn Wilks, 972-264-7670. Fee: $5.Course # Days Dates Time7240 T/Th Dec 2 6 - 10 p.m.

Grown Ups -18 years +


Fitness

Abs & Buns - BowlesThis class focuses on abs while still remembering other areas of the bodyincluding legs, gluts and lower back. Class is taught in English andSpanish. Fee: $25/month.Course # Days Dates Time7033 M/W/F Dec 9 - 10:30 a.m. 7342 M/W/F Jan 9 - 10:30 a.m.7343 M/W/F Feb 9 - 10:30 a.m.7344 M/W/F Mar 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Basketball Wednesday Night - DalworthIt’s show time on Wednesday night at Dalworth Recreation Center. Tennisshoes gripping, nets popping, some serious defense and offense. Fee: membership required. Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed ongoing 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Basketball Six Feet Under Men’s League - Bowles For players no taller than six feet this weekly league will have hoopsswishing with three pointers. Call 972-237-7533 to register. LeagueRegistration: Jan. 26-March 13; season starts: March 26. Fee: $350/team.Course # Days Dates Time7448 Th 3/26-5/21 7 - 9 p.m.

Basketball “King of the Court” Men’s Competitive League - BowlesHOOP-MANIA! Bring your friends, family and co-workers for loads ofcompetition and fun. Call 972-237-7533 to register. League registration: Jan 26-March 6; season starts: March 15. Fee: $350/team. Course # Days Dates Time7369 Sun 3/15-5/17 1 - 5 p.m.

Basketball Adult Women’s League - Bowles Women join us in this new league that will show offyour all-around game. Call 972-237-7533 to register.League registration: Dec. 1-Jan. 16; season starts: Jan. 25. Fee: $250/team. Course # Days Date Times7373 Sun 1/25-3/8 7 - 9 p.m.

Basketball Men’s 35 and Older - Bowles Come show everyone that you still have the skills to play this game. Bringa team to have loads of fun and to help you stay in shape. Call 972-237-7533 to register. League registration: Dec. 1-Jan. 12; seasonstarts: Jan 29. Fee: $350/team.Course # Days Date Times7449 Th 1/29-3/19 7 - 9 p.m.

Belly Dance – BowlesJoin beginner Belly Dance and strengthen your mind, body and spirit.Develop the basic skills to beautiful Egyptian dance. Fee: $15/class or$50/month.Course # Days Dates Time7595 M Jan 8 - 9 a.m.

T/Th Jan 8 - 9 p.m.7596 M Feb 8 - 9 a.m.

T/Th Feb 8 - 9 p.m.7597 M Mar 8 - 9 a.m.

T/Th Mar 8 - 9 p.m.

Body Shop - BowlesThis intense and fast-paced aerobics workout will focus on all areas of thebody. Individual fitness assessments are conducted and personal workoutplans and goals are developed. Fee: $35/month. Course # Days Dates Time7422 T/Th Dec 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.7423 T/Th Jan 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.7424 T/Th Feb 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.7425 T/Th Mar 5:30 - 6:50 p.m.

Boot Camp - Bowles“You can feel the pain of change, or you can feel the pain of remaining the same!” Boot Camp is a total body workout good for all ages. This total fitness workout is effective and guarantees results. You will lose fat and build lean muscle. Fee: $7/class or $80/month.Course # Days Dates Time7200 M/W/F Dec 7 - 8 p.m.

Sat Dec 10 - 11 a.m.7345 M/W/F Jan 7 - 8 p.m.

Sat Jan 10 - 11 a.m.7346 M/W/F Feb 7 - 8 p.m.

Sat Feb 10 - 11 a.m.7347 M/W/F Mar 7 - 8 p.m.

Sat Mar 10 - 11 a.m.

Bridal Boot Camp - Charley TaylorAre you getting ready to say “I DO?” Do you want to fit into your idealwedding dress? Come join our Bridal Boot Camp workout class, devoted togetting you ready for your big day. Fee: $35/month. Course # Days Dates Time7235 T/Th Nov-Feb 8 - 9 p.m.7302 M/W Nov-Feb 7 - 8 a.m.

Clogging - BowlesThis class will introduce you to traditional clogging steps andcontemporary footwork. Fee: $40/month.Course # Days Dates Time7290 Sun Dec 2 - 5 p.m.7291 Sun Jan 2 - 5 p.m.7351 Sun Feb 2 - 5 p.m.7352 Sun Mar 2 - 5 p.m.

Grown Ups -18 years +Cycling - BowlesUsing the Spin Bikesfor half the class,Cycling Class alsoincorporates mat work,use of medicine andbody balls, andstretching. This is ahigh intensity class.Fee: $25/month. Course # Days Dates Time7429 T/Th Dec 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.7430 T/Th Jan 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.7431 T/Th Feb 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.7432 T/Th Mar 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Fitness Assessments/Equipment Orientation - BowlesOngoing by appointment for customers 16 years and older. Fee: $10.

Jerrin’s Boot Camp - DalworthMonday classes focus on the lower body, Wednesday classes focus on theupper body and Friday classes focus on full body/cardio. This is a greatway to regularly participate in a training program before getting the kidsup for school or heading off to work. Showers available. For info, contactJerrin Holt at 214-207-6033 or email [email protected]. Fee: $80/month.Course # Days Dates Time7237 M/W/F Nov-Feb 5 - 6 a.m.

Martial Arts/Yoshinkan Aikido - DalworthAges 18+. Yoshinkan Aikido is a practical martial art that stresses formality,etiquette and customs. Training includes “ukemi” the art of fallingcorrectly, throwing, joint lock, relaxation under stress, developing balanceand “atemi” or strikes. The beauty of Yoshinkan Aikido is that it allowsanyone, regardless of age, strength or gender, to learn and master theprinciples. Students are encouraged to practice and learn at their ownpace. Fee: $50/month. Course # Days Dates Time7276 M/Th Nov-Feb 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Personal Training - BowlesYour very own personal trainer is available at Bowles Life Center dailyduring operating hours. Call 972-237-7529 to schedule your workout.Group training also available. Fee: $20-60/hour.

Ping Pong League - DalworthAges 16+. Are you a power or finesse player? Do you smash or spin?Whatever your game, bring it to the Dalworth Recreation Center andparticipate in our ping pong league. Each match will be best of 7 up to 21points (win by 2). Every game will be played on our brand new “state ofthe art” ping pong table. For information, call Marshawn Wilks, 972-264-7670. Fee: $20.Course # Days Dates Time7245 Thurs Dec 4 7 - 9 p.m.

Spinning - BowlesSpinning is a group exercise workout performed on a stationary bike. Thisclass is an excellent cardio workout to great music. Class is taught inSpanish. Fee: $25/month.Course # Days Dates Time7294 M/T/Th Dec 7:30-8:30 p.m.7295 M/T/Th Jan 7:30-8:30 p.m.7296 M/T/Th Feb 7:30-8:30 p.m.7297 M/T/Th Mar 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Weight Room – Charley TaylorCome out and enjoy the perfect workout setting at the Charley TaylorWeight Room. A perfect place to come at the end of a long day’s work.Weight Room Membership is $7/month, $35/six months or $60/year. Allgrand-plan memberships from Bowles Life Center are good here as well.

December/January Special!Buy a yearly weight room membership and get a second for a familymember at half price!!! All additional family members will be charged atthe six-month rate per person. See staff for details!Business Hours:Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Weight Room - DalworthCome out and enjoy the perfect workout setting at the Dalworth WeightRoom. A perfect place to come at the end of a long day’s work. WeightRoom Membership is $7/month, $35/six months or $60/year.Business Hours:Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Sunday CLOSED

Yoga - BowlesEnjoy the benefits of yogaand pilates in this class foran overall mind/bodyfitness experience. Yogawill teach proper bodyalignment, breathing andmuscle control. Fee: $35/month.

Course # Days Dates Time7184 M/W Dec 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

T/Th Dec 7 - 8 p.m.7392 M/W Jan 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

T/Th Jan 7 - 8 p.m.7392 M/W Feb 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

T/Th Feb 7 - 8 p.m.7393 M/W Mar 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

T/Th Mar 7 - 8 p.m.


Grown Ups -18 years +New Year’s Membership Specials - Bowles

Dec. 15, 2008 - Jan. 5, 2009, purchase GRAND PLAN Memberships at Prairie Plan prices!!!

Grand Plan Resident Purchase during special for… Adult Monthly regularly $17 $9.50 (one month only)Adult Yearly regularly $196 $106Family Monthly regularly $34 $19 (one month only)Family Yearly regularly $396 $216

Education

Dog Obedience Classes –McFalls BuildingTo have a well-behaved dog withmanners, these classes are a must!Taught by Valerie Fare, who has 33years of experience training dogs, thebeginner class includes a doggie carecourse to help you be a better petowner. Dog will learn to walk on aloose leash, to sit, down, stand, stayand come when called.

Classes start: Jan. 13, 2009; March 10, 2009; May 5, 2009; June 30, 2009; Aug. 25, 2009; and Oct. 13, 2009.

Class times: Beginner 7-8 p.m.Advanced 8-8:45 p.m.

Classes conducted at the McFalls Building, 1300 SW 3rd St. To register, callValerie Fare at 972-988-1338.

Texas Hold’Em Poker Beginner -DalworthWould you like to play, but have noidea where to start? This class will coverthe basics of poker: how to play, whatto do, when to do it, why you do it.The class will have you winningtournaments in no time. Call at leasttwo weeks in advance to participate in the class. Free!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Mon weekly 8 - 9 p.m.

Toastmasters Club #6332 - Charley Taylor Improve leadership and communication skills withthe Grand Prairie Club #6332. You will develop your communication skills in a friendly and helpfulatmosphere. Visitors are welcome at no charge. Amust for improving public speaking! The $23 semi-annual dues are payable in April and September.Fee: $23.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Softball/Men’s D - Mike Lewis ParkThis competitive league will play at Mike Lewis Park beginning in March.Call 972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; seasonstarts: week of March 23. Fee: $315/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7378 M-F 3/23-5/4 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Softball/Men’s E - Mike Lewis ParkRecreational league of friends and co-workers play at Mike Lewis Park.Call 972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; seasonstarts: week of March 23. Fee: $315/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7426 T/W/F 3/24-5/5 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Softball/Mixed D - Mike Lewis ParkThis competitive league for co-ed teams will play at Mike Lewis Park. Call972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; season starts:week of March 23. Fee: $315/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7396 M/Th/F 3/23-5/4 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Softball Mixed Church League - Mike Lewis ParkRecreational teams of friends, co-workers play for fun and fellowship. Call972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; season starts:week of March 23. Fee: $175/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7390 M/Th 3/24-5/5 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.7375 M/Th 3/24-5/5 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Softball Men’s/Mixed Corporate - Mike Lewis ParkRecreational teams of friends and co-workers play for fun and fellowship.Call 972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; seasonstarts: week of March 23. Fee: $175/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7550 Sun 3/29-5/10 2:30 - 6:15 p.m.7591 Sun 3/29-5/10 2:30 - 6:15 p.m.

Softball Men’s/Mixed Restaurant League - Mike Lewis ParkRecreational teams of friends and co-workers play for fun and fellowship.Call 972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; seasonstarts: week of March 23. Fee: $175/team for 8 games.Course # Days Dates Time 7590 Sun/M/T 3/29-5/10 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.7592 Sun/M/T 3/29-5/10 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.

Softball/Women - Mike Lewis Women join us in this new league that will show off your all-around game.Call 972-237-7533 to register. Spring registration: Jan. 5-March 18; seasonstarts: week of March 23. Fee: $175/team for 8 games. Course # Days Date Times7398 Wed 3/25-5/6 6:30 - 9:15 p.m.


Play League Softball at Mike Lewis ParkPlay League Softball at Mike Lewis Park

Senior Center 972-264-4975 H Bowles 972-237-7529 H Dalworth 972-264-767022

Active Adults - 50+ yearsFitness

Fitness Membership - BowlesStay fit after 62 for only $8 a year! A Senior Pass Plan includes access tothe Bowles Life Center fitness/weight room, which includes recumbentbikes, treadmills, ellipticals, spin bikes, dumbbells and weight machines.The Bowles Life Center also offers an indoor jogging track. Business Hours:Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.Friday 8 a.m-8 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.Sunday 1-6 p.m.

Health Screenings - Senior CenterCome get your blood pressure, iron, glucose, and overall health checkedby trained nurses. FREE!Course # Days TimeN/A every 3rd Mon 8:30 - 11 a.m.

Light & Lively Exercise - Senior CenterThis exercise class focuses on improving your muscle tone, cardiovascularsystem, endurance and balance. Exercise at your own pace. Free! Course # Days Dates TimeN/A M/W/F weekly 9 - 10 a.m.

Seniorcize - Bowles Low impact aerobicsspecifically for Seniors. Ageneral movement classwhere participants keep onefoot on the floor at all times(no jumping). Patterns andsequencing are designed forbasic movements only. Free with Bowles Life Centermembership.

Course # Days Dates Time 7368 M/W/F Dec 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. 7370 M/W/F Jan 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.7371 M/W/F Feb 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.7372 M/W/F Mar 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Weight Room - Charley Taylor/DalworthCome out and enjoy the perfect workout setting at the Charley Taylor orDalworth Weight Room. A perfect place to come at the end of a long day’swork. Weight Room Membership is $35 for six months or $60 per year. Business Hours:Monday-Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Yoga with Love - Senior CenterShirley Love, certified Yoga instructor, has practiced and taught Yoga forover 20 years. Come join her as she teaches you the intricacies of Yoga.Yoga has been proven to improve flexibility in muscles and joints, releasetension and stress, and strengthen the body and immune system. Fee: $3 per class!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 9 - 10 a.m.

Creative Arts

Ceramics - Senior CenterLet your creativity shinethrough in ceramics. Nomatter what your skill levelis, you are sure to discoveryour creative side in thisclass. Fee: $5/month.

Course # Days Dates Time3665 Wed weekly 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Creative Jewelry - Senior CenterDesign and make your very own jewelry. Share ideas and designs withfellow classmates. Once you get started you'll be hooked! Come to the firstclass to find out what supplies are needed. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri weekly 1 - 3 p.m.

Crocheting Class - Senior CenterLearn the quick and easy styles of crochet. Supply your own yarn andneedles. Crocheting builds strength in your hands and fingers and helpsregain eye hand coordination. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Mon weekly 1 - 3 p.m.

Oil Painting - Senior CenterPainting brings pictures in your mind tocanvas. Instructor Mattie Kenney will teach youthe basics or help refine your style. $10/class.Course # Days Dates Time3699 Fri weekly 9 a.m. - noon

Quilting Golden Threads - Senior CenterSit around the frame, quilt as a group and socialize. Participants help quilteach other’s quilts. Great for strengthening your hands and fingers. FREE! Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 1 - 3 p.m.

Stained Glass - Senior CenterLearn the basics of glass cutting, layout and pattern design. Make lampshades, windows, or anything else you can imagine. Fee: $10/month.Course # Days Dates Time3727 Tue weekly 10 - 11:30 a.m.


Active Adults - 50+ yearsWoodcarving - Senior CenterLearn how to whittle, carve, chisel and make impressive pieces of art thatwill awe your family and friends. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 7 - 8 p.m.

Dancing

Ballroom Dance Lessons –Senior CenterFree lessons every Thursday nightbefore the weekly dance are offeredfrom 6-7 p.m. Lessons are ncludedwhen you pay for the ThursdayNight Dance $5.Course # DaysN/A ThDates Timeweekly 6 - 7 p.m.

Hula - Senior CenterDon’t lei around. Join us to learn the basics of the ancient Hawaiian dance,Hula. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Th weekly 12:30 - 2 p.m.

Line Dance Beginning - Senior CenterIf you love to dance but do not have a partner, this class is for you. Linedancing is a great form of exercise. Instructors Ann and Barbara can teachanyone to dance and they make it fun, too! FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri weekly 10 a.m. - noon

3rd Friday of month meets at 8:30 a.m.

Line Dance Intermediate - Senior CenterIn this class you will learn all the dances for the next Jamboree. Greatexercise and fun, too! Catch a piece of the excitement! FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed weekly 1 - 3:30 p.m.

Line Dance Advanced - Senior CenterAfter the beginning and intermediate classes, you are ready for the nextstep. Learn complex steps and perform around the community. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Th weekly 10 a.m. - noon

Thursday Night Dance - Senior CenterDancing, a live band and the best food in town…come on out to ourThursday Night Dances. Don’t worry if you don’t have a partner, you’resure to find one at the dance. A delicious dinner provided. Fee: $5.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Th weekly 7 - 10 p.m.

Educational

Bible Research Q & A - Senior CenterResearch, analyze and discuss questions about the world’s all time bestselling book…the Bible. Fee: FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed weekly 10 - 11 a.m.

Computer Class - Senior CenterLearn the basics of the personal computer. We will teach you Windows,Microsoft Office, Internet and Email. FREE.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 8:30 - 10 a.m.N/A Tue weekly 2:30 - 4 p.m.N/A Wed weekly 3 - 4 p.m.N/A Fri weekly 10 - 11 a.m.

Defensive Driving - Senior CenterInstructor Johnny Price makes defensive driving entertaining! Learn toimprove your driving skills and be aware of other drivers. This course canbe used for a discount on car insurance. However, it does not meet therequirements for removing a ticket. Fee: $10/class.Course # Days Dates Time3678 T/W TBA 1 - 4:30 p.m.N/A Sat TBA 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Dog Obedience Classes – McFalls BuildingTo have a well-behaved dog with manners, these classes are a must!Taught by Valerie Fare, who has 33 years of experience training dogs, thebeginner class includes a doggie care course to help you be a better petowner. Dog will learn to walk on a loose leash, to sit, down, stand, stayand come when called.

Classes start: Jan. 13, 2009; March 10, 2009; May 5, 2009; June 30, 2009; Aug. 25, 2009; and Oct. 13, 2009.

Class times: Beginner 7-8 p.m.Advanced 8-8:45 p.m.

Classes conducted at the McFalls Building, 1300 SW 3rd St. To register, callValerie Fare at 972-988-1338.

German Class - Senior CenterLearn the basics of conversational German. Easy and fun to learn. Taughtby Ron Engle. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Recipe Class - Senior CenterJoin Zelda as she teaches you adelicious new recipe every month!Fee: $1/class.Course # Days3726 MonDates TimeTBA 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Senior Center 972-264-4975 H Bowles 972-237-7529 H Dalworth 972-264-767024

Active Adults - 50+ yearsScrapbooking - Senior CenterWant a way to make those memories even more special? Turn that oldphoto album into a conversation piece! Make keepsakes for family andfriends! Let us teach you the basics, from layout and design to colors andthemes. FREE!!Course # Days TimeN/A 3rd Mon each month 11 a.m.

Spanish Beginners - Senior CenterLearn the basics of Spanish, from vocabulary to grammar, from the groundup! FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Mon weekly 2 - 3 p.m.

Spanish Intermediate - Senior CenterAs you advance from beginners, learn more complex aspects of theSpanish language. FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri weekly 1 - 2 p.m.

Games

Billiards – Open Play at the Senior CenterOpen almost all business hours.

Billiards 9 Ball Tournament - Senior CenterParticipate in a monthly tournament to see who is the best pool player.Playing in the tournament is fun and will bring out your competitive spirit.Winner receives a traveling trophy. FREE.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A last Fri monthly 8 - 10 a.m.

Bingo - Senior CenterB-I-N-G-O! Come win great prizes and have fun with your friend whileplaying! FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed TBA 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Blackjack - Senior CenterCompete against other players to see who has the most chips at the end ofthe night. Prizes are awarded once a month. We will keep track of winnersand will have winner's tournaments throughout the year. Refreshmentsserved. Fee: $3/player.Course # Days TimeN/A Mon - every other week 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bridge for all levels - Senior CenterEveryone is invited to play bridge – a fun and stimulating card game. FREE.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A T/F weekly 1 - 4 p.m.

Ping Pong Class Recreational - Senior CenterA great way to improve your balance, agility, hand eye coordination andreflexes! FREE.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri weekly 2 - 4 p.m.

Shuffleboard - Open Play at the Senior CenterOpen almost all business hours.

Shuffleboard League - Senior CenterIn this fun competition we draw for partners before every game. Winnerswill receive prizes monthly! Refreshments served. Fee: $3/player.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Tue weekly 6 - 9 p.m.

Texas Hold’em - Senior CenterAll levels of players are welcome. Prizes for top three players monthly. We will keep track of winners and have a winner’s tournament during the year. Refreshments are served for all players. Fee: $3/player. Course # Days TimeN/A Mon - every other week 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Texas Hold’em - Senior CenterLearn the intricacies of this world-wide craze! If you’re not comfortableplaying on Monday nights, or if you want to brush up on your skills, playon Thursdays for FREE!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Th weekly 1 - 3 p.m.

Special Events

AARP Luncheon - Senior CenterThe AmericanAssociation for RetiredPersons helps retireesenjoy their retirement,build strongercommunities andincrease knowledge onpolitical issues. Covereddish lunch and special

entertainment provided. Fee: $2 AARP membership.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Fri every 3rd Fri 11:30 a.m.

NRPA Gold Medal Winner 2008 - 2009

Active Adults - 50+ years

25

Birthday/New Member Party -Senior CenterCelebrate your birthday with yourfriends! Each month we honor ourbirthday guys and gals and newmembers. Birthday and new memberscan pick up a complimentary ticket atthe office. Other members are invitedto attend with advance reservations.Fee: $5/person.Course # Days Dates Time3657 varies monthly 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Commission on Aging - Senior CenterPlease join us and listen to important information regarding Senior Citizensin Grand Prairie. The commissioners, appointed by City Council andMayor, make recommendations to the City Council based on publicsuggestions. This is a great chance to make sure your voice and input areheard by the group that is dedicated to serving seniors. Contact SeniorCenter for date, time and location.

Golden Age Club - SeniorCenterThis club gathers for good food,entertainment and to socialize. Allmeetings are covered dish and aspecial program is provided. Fee: $2 + GA membership. Course # Days Dates TimeN/A first Wed monthly 10:30 a.m.

Movie Matinee Fridays - Senior CenterCome enjoy a FREE movie every Friday at the Senior Center! Refreshmentsare sold separately.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Every other Fri weekly 2 p.m .

Nintendo Wii Fridays - Senior CenterJoin us as we have tennis, bowling, homerun and golf tournaments in ourown activity room! FREE!!Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Every other Fri weekly 2 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Party! - Senior CenterLooking for a fun, exciting place to spend New Year’s? Join us as we ringin the New Year with games, activities, food, friends and more! This casinothemed party will be one to remember for years to come! Please call theSenior Center in December for additional information.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A Wed 12/31 7 p.m.

Senior Store - Senior CenterAt the senior store you’ll find only the finest hand-made crafts. Veryaffordable, you’re sure to find that perfect gift! Call for store hours.Anyone can shop at the senior store, but you must be a member of theSenior Center to become a vendor in the store.

TravelThroughout the year we take dozens of day trips to local attractions,restaurants, theaters, casinos, etc. Three or four times a year we takeovernight trips to exciting places like Branson, Missouri. Below are just afew of the regular trips that we take.

Dinner Out - Senior CenterEnjoy a dinner out at a local arearestaurant with your friends. Join usonce a month for a great night offood and fun! We take a bus, so you can ride with all of your friends! Fee: varies.Course # Days Dates Time3680 varies monthly 4:30 - 8 p.m.

1st Friday Tea Room Trips - DalworthJoin us on the 1st Friday of every month to go to lunch at a different tearoom in DFW. Transportation provided. Each person pays for their meal($10-$15). Sign up by the 27th of each month for the next trip. Dalworth50+ Membership Required. Fee: varies.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A 1st Fri monthly 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lunch Bunch - Senior CenterThis new program has been popular from the start! Join our group ofactive seniors as they board the bus and visit different upscale restaurantsin the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Fee: varies.Course # Days Dates Time3697 varies monthly 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Mystery Trip - Senior CenterHave a sense of adventure? Every so often we plan a trip that is acomplete mystery. We won't even give you hint! A popular classic, thesetrips are always sure to surprise and wow you. Fee: varies.Course # Days Dates TimeN/A varies varies varies

Church Street Sr. Center503 W. Church St. • 972 262-6673 • Se habla español

The Church Street Sr. Center invites you to join in the fun

9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Participate in dancing, exercising,

outings, health screenings, parties and quilting. A hot delicious lunch

is served daily. Lunch for anyone 60 or older is a suggested donation

of 75 cents. Lunch for anyone younger than 60 is $3.82.

Please call the center before 11 a.m. to make reservations for lunch.

Transportation is also provided for anyone who is 60 or older

and does not have a way to get to the center. Please call the center

for more details. Hope to see you soon!

Special Events for WinterSenior Angel TreeNow-Dec. 19, 2008 • Senior Center • 925 Conover Dr.During the holidays, our most mature citizens are often forgotten. Drop bythe Senior Center now through Dec. 19 to drop off your new unwrappedgift for a Senior Citizen or pick a senior citizen off the Angel Tree to makesome Christmas wishes come true.

Prairie Lights6-10 p.m., Nov. 27-Dec. 31Lynn Creek Park5700 Lake Ridge ParkwayLight up your holidays at Prairie Lights, GrandPrairie’s drive-throughholiday lightingextravaganza. With 3 million lights displayedalong two miles of road weaving along the shore of Lake Joe Pool, PrairieLights is the one must-see event of the season. Guests love the mid-wayout-of-car experience in Holiday Village, open nightly featuringconcessions, photos with Santa, and Holiday Magic, a light show set to music during which it actually snows! And, new this year to Holiday Village, a walk-through wonderland of lights enchants all.www.prairielights.org.

Historic Copeland HomeTourNoon - 4 p.m. Sat., Dec. 6; Jan. 3; Feb. 7; March 7125 SW Dallas St.Experience life in the early1900s as you tour GrandPrairie’s beautifully restoredhistoric Copeland Home,

where Dr. HV Copeland practiced medicine in Grand Prairie, deliveringmore than 4,000 babies during his career. FREE. 972-237-8086.

Winter Wonderland Noon - 4 p.m., Sat., Dec. 6 • Lynn Creek Park • 5700 Lake Ridge ParkwayKick off the holiday season at Winter Wonderland. This free-admissionevent features Grand Prairie ISD Fine Arts performers, horse-drawncarriage rides, a kiddietrain, rock climbing, face-painters and clowns.Photos with Santa andconcession treats will beavailable to purchase.Also get your discountcoupons to attend thegigantic “Prairie Lights”holiday drive-throughattraction that opens at 6p.m. nightly from Nov. 27-Dec. 31.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day9-11:30 a.m., Sat., Dec. 6 • Development Center • 201 NW 2nd St.Chunk your hazardous junk at HHW Day, accepting batteries, motor oil,pharmaceuticals, cooking oil, paint, aerosol cans, fluorescent bulbs,compact fluorescent light bulbs (CLFs), and household, landscape and poolchemicals. We do not accept explosives, gas cylinders, fireworks, medicalwaste, radioactive materials or municipal trash. No commercial wasteaccepted. To register, go to www.gptx.org/wq/hhw or call 972-237-8055.

New Year’s Membership SpecialsBowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St.From Dec. 15, 2008 - Jan. 5, 2009, purchase GRAND PLAN Memberships at Prairie Plan prices!!!Grand Plan Resident Purchase during special for… Adult Monthly regularly $17 $9.50 (one month only)Adult Yearly regularly $196 $106Family Monthly regularly $34 $19 (one month only)Family Yearly regularly $396 $216

Middle School Madness6-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 • Kirby Creek Indoor Pool • 3201 Corn Valley Rd.Hey, Middle Schoolers, we have a party for you. Come on over to the poolto kick off your winter break with a SPLASH. Enjoy swimming, diving,music, munchies and more. Fee: $5.

3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar8 p.m., Dec. 19-20 • 2 p.m., Dec. 21Uptown Theater • 120 E. Main St.Join Billy Bob, Billy Joe and Billy Billee as theymix NASCAR with Beethoven, lite beer withchampagne. You’ll travel with our three singingcousins from their modest beginnings in Paris,Texas, where they discover that belting out ahigh C causes bar brawlers to scatter; to their

triumphant debut at Carnegie Hall. Tickets available at 972-237-UPTN orwww.UptownTheaterGP.com.

Breakfast with Santa 9:30-11 a.m., Sat., Dec. 20 • Charley Taylor Recreation Center601 E. Grand Prairie RoadFind out what Santa has for breakfast. Does he eat cookies all day, or deliciouspancakes and breakfast tacos? Santa isstopping by the Charley TaylorRecreation Center for Breakfastwith Santa Claus! Each childwill have a picture taken withSanta and a chance to chatwith him personally forholiday requests. Join us for agreat holiday event for the whole family. Space is limited, so register and pay early! Fee: $10 per child. 972-264-6890.

Winter 2008 - 2009 H www.GrandFunGP.com H 972-237- 810026


Special Events for WinterAsleep at the Wheel New Year’s Eve ConcertWednesday, Dec. 31Uptown Theater • 120 E. Main St.Ring in the New Year with a specialevening celebration featuring Asleepat the Wheel. Enjoy their Bob Wills inspired Texas Swing Music in anevening full of surprises. Purchase your tickets online atwww.uptowntheatergp.com, grab your party hats at the door and getready to raise a glass to ring in an amazing new year. 972-237-UPTN.

New Year’s Eve Party!7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 31Senior Center • 925 Conover St.Looking for a fun, exciting place tospend New Year’s Eve? Join us as we ring in the New Year with games,activities, food, friends and more! This casino themed party will be one toremember for years to come! Please call the Senior Center in December foradditional information.

All-Sports Registration10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Jan 10, 2009Bowles Life Center • 2750 Graham St.One place, one time…sign your child up for youth sports leagues andmeet the local leaders in the Grand Prairie youth sport associations. All theassociations will be present to give you information for all the upcomingyouth sports leagues. Questions, call 972-237-7533.

Open House 2009!6-8 p.m., MondayJan. 12, 2009Bowles Life Center • 2750 Graham St.The Bowles Life Center and Grand Prairie Parks and RecreationDepartment’s Athletics Department kicks off 2009 with a special sports andprogram registration Open House! If you are interested in finding out whatprograms are offered, how you can become involved in sports leagues orjust take a tour of the fitness facility, don’t miss this GRAND chance to findthat special fitness membership or activity that will help you keep thatNew Year’s Resolution! If you register for a class or athletic program duringOpen House 2009, receive a 10% discount on registration fee. For moreinformation, please call the Bowles Life Center at 972-237-7529.

Dr. Martin Luther King Gala 7-9 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, 2009 • Dalworth Recreation Center • 2012 SpikesYou are invited to join the Just Say No Club at their annual birthdaycelebration as they pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The eveningwill include an art exhibit, keynote speaker, evening entertainment, awardsceremony and dinner. Call 972-264-7670 to get your tickets today. Fee: $25 for adults and $15 for youth.

Daddy/Daughter Dance7-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 • Bowles Life Center • 2750 Graham St.Daughters and fathers of all ages are invited to attend this special night ofdancing and dining. Dance from 7-9 p.m. Light refreshments will beserved. All participants will receive a special gift and an evening full ofspecial memories. A photographer will be on site to take pictures at anadditional fee beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for the Bowles Dance must bepurchased through the Bowles Life Center. Fee: $10/person

Daddy/Daughter Dance7-10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, 2009Ruthe Jackson Center • 3113 S. Carrier ParkwayDaughters and fathers of all ages are invited to attend this special eveningof dancing and dining. Dinner is from 7-8 p.m. and dancing is from 8-10 p.m. All participants who pre-register will receive dinner and amemorable gift. A photographer will be on site to take pictures at anadditional fee beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be hosted by the CharleyTaylor Recreation Center staff, 972-264-6890. Tickets for the event can bepurchased in advance at Charley Taylor Recreation Center now - noonFriday, Feb. 13. After that tickets will be sold at the door. Fee: $20/person.

African-American History Month Extravaganza!February 2009 • Dalworth Recreation Center • 2012 SpikesYou are cordially invited to join us to celebrate African-American history aswe honor our past and celebrate our present. Many events will take placethis month as we reflect on the many accomplishments of our African-American pioneers. Events will include:t Feb.4-6: Shades of Color Mobile African-American History Museum

and Exhibit.

t Feb.7: Livestone Lodge #152 4th Annual Spelling Bee.

t Feb.13: Teen Dance.

t Feb.27: African-American History Program & Soul Food Dinner.

28

Loyd Park3401 Ragland Road

• 221 campsites• 8 fully stocked cabins

• Super convenient locationGet a jump start on your Christmasshopping and surprise that specialsomeone with a cabin stay at LoydPark. Gift certificates are available

for purchase inside the main office,3401 Ragland Road, from

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Go camping, have a picnic, launch your boat, stay in a cabin

or have a meeting in the clubhouseat Loyd Park. Enjoy the natural,

peaceful lake setting of Lake Joe Pool. Call 817-467-2104

for more information or visitwww.loydpark.com.

After School/Holiday Camps

New Year…New You!


After School ProgramsCity Recreation Centers offer safe, friendly After School Programs for elementarykids. Activities include an after-school snack, homework help, computer time,arts and crafts, game room and gym games. Payment is due weekly, the Fridaypreceeding each Monday.

Course # Days Time Place Ages Fee7401-7414 M-F 3 - 6 p.m. Bowles 5-12 $20-30*N/A M-F 3 - 6 p.m. Charley Taylor5-12 $20-30**7220 M-F 3 - 6 p.m. Dalworth 5-12 $20

* Bowles pick up from Garcia $20/wk * Bowles pick up from Fannin $30/wk Nov-Dec * Bowles pick up from Fannin $20/wk Jan-May ** Charley Taylor if kids walk $20/wk ** Charley Taylor pick up from Crockett $30/wk

Holiday CampsCity Recreation Centers offer great Holiday Camp fun! Campers will participate inorganized and structured group activities, game room play (foosball, ping pong, airhockey, video games and pool), gymnasium play, computer lab and fitness. Bring asack lunch, we will provide a mid-morning and afternoon snack

BowlesCourse # Days Dates Time Ages Fee7415 M-W 11/24-26 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day7360 M-T 12/22-23 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day7361 M-T 12/29-30 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day

Charley TaylorCourse # Days Dates Time Ages Fee6585 M-W 11/24-26 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day7306 M-T 12/22-23 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day7309 M-W 12/29-30 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day 7434 M 1/19 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day

DalworthCourse # Days Dates Time Ages FeeN/A M-F 11/24-26 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day7323 M-F 12/22-23 7 a.m. - p.m. 5-12 $16/dayN/A M-F 12/29-30 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/dayN/A M-F 1/2 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/dayN/A M-F 1/19 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. 5-12 $16/day

New Year’s Membership SpecialsBowles Life Center, 2750 Graham St.Great rates get you in shape for the new year. From Dec. 15, 2008 - Jan. 5,2009, purchase GRAND PLAN Memberships at Prairie Plan prices!!!Grand Plan Resident Purchase during special for… Adult Monthly regularly $17 $9.50 (one month only)Adult Yearly regularly $196 $106Family Monthly regularly $34 $19 (one month only)Family Yearly regularly $396 $216

Charley Taylor Recreation Center, 601 E. Grand Prairie Rd.During Dec., 2008 and Jan. 2009, when you buy a yearly weight roommembership, you’ll get a second membership for a family member at halfprice. Additional family members will be charged at the six-month rate per person.Term Rate Special Monthly regularly $7Six-month regularly $35Annual regularly $60

30

Buy one, get one half offfor family member, then $35 for each

extra family member thereafter

31NRPA Gold Medal Winner 2008 - 2009

Ruthe Jackson CenterGrand Prairie’s Premier Meeting and Event Facility

A Great Place For Banquets n Training Seminars n DinnersWeddings n Receptions n AnniversariesTrade Shows n Reunions n Workshops

Special Events n And More!

Call today for current rates and availability.

972-237-75003113 S. Carrier Pkwy • Grand Prairie, TX 75052www.ruthejacksoncenter.comA City of Grand Prairie Facility

972-237-30013001 S. Belt Line Rd. n Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

www.grandprairiememorialgardens.com

isit Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens for your immediate and pre-planning needs. Conveniently located near I-20 in Grand Prairie, our 22-acre public cemetery offers:

n Beautiful Gardens n Mausoleumn Reflection Pond

Knowledgeable memorial advisers are available to fully explain all of your options at Grand Prairie Memorial Gardens.

V

972-262- 4479 •1002 Lone Star Parkwaywww.AllianceSkateParks.com

Alliance Skate Park

New Years Eve Partyfeaturing Asleep at the Wheel

See page 27 for details.

Monday – Friday 3 –10 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. –10 p.m. H Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Lessons H Skate Camps H Concerts H ContestsLock-ins H And More!


Grand Prairie Parks – Boards and CommissionsParks and Recreation BoardThe Parks and Recreation Board is an advisory board to the CityCouncil on parks, recreation and related developments. Citizens areencouraged to attend and provide valuable input.

Meetings are the 4th Wednesday of the month at City Hall BriefingRoom at 6:30 p.m.

t Steve Chutchian, Chairmant Joe Arredondo t Greg Giessnert Shawn Connor t Gloria Holbertt Patrick Greenwade t Christina Kangt Tony Lawrence t BJ Nichols

Commission on AgingThe Commission on Aging is an advisory committee that makesrecommendations to the City Council regarding the senior population in Grand Prairie. Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide valuable input.

Meetings are the 2nd Wednesday each month at 11 a.m. and locationvaries to garner additional input. Please call 972-237-8100 for monthlylocations.

t Alta Brown t Greg Wiggins t Harold Willis t William Krugt Roxcie McCuller t Ouida Smith

Your Parks & Recreation Department and You

NRPA – Healthy Lifestyles. Livable Communities. For 40 years, the National Recreation and Park Association has advocated the importance of thriving, local park systems, the opportunity for all Americans to lead healthy, active lifestyles, and the preservation ofgreat community places. As a city park and recreation department, we are proud to be a member of the NRPA. Go online to nrpa.org tosee what the NRPA is doing to fight obesity in America, and promote healthy living.

TRAPS The Texas Recreation and Park Society is a non-profit professional and educational organization founded more than 65 years ago to advance the profession of parks, recreation, and leisure services in Texas. As a state affiliate member of theNational Recreation and Park Association, the Society also maintains professional affiliate relationships with several stateuniversities, athletic and civic organizations, recreational entities, state agencies, and commercial vendors who provide services or programs related to parks, recreation, and leisure service management. We are a proud member and supporter of TRAPSand their efforts to make a difference in peoples’ lives through recreation.

TAAF The City of Grand Prairie is one of more than 140 organizations that are members of Texas Amateur Athletic Federation. TAAF is anonprofit organization that promotes, organizes and conducts amateur athletics in our state and allows amateur athletes to compete in similarleagues across Texas under the same rules and regulations. To find more about the TAAF organization, visit taaf.com.

Annual Passes Now AvailableOpen 7 days a week, sunup to sundown t Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express

Reserve tee times up to seven days in advance for Mon-Fri. t Sat-Sun tee times taken as early as prior MondaySoft Spikes t Dress Code

2008 Golf Digest “Best Places to Play”

3202 S.E. 14th Street • Grand Prairie,Texas 75052 • 972-263-0661www.prairielakesgolf.com

Be One of the First to Play!

Not All Munis are Created Equal!

Brand-new Champion Bermuda Greens!Call 972-299-6837 for your tee time!

www.tangleridge.com • 818 Tangle Ridge Dr.

PRESORTED STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND PRAIRIE, TX

PERMIT NO. 178

LIFE IS GRAND!City of Grand PrairieP. O. Box 534045Grand Prairie,TX 75053-4045

Residential CustomerGrand Prairie,Texas

Grand Prairie Parks Named Best in America!The National Recreation and Parks

Association (NRPA) bestowed its highestnational award, the Gold Medal Award,to the Grand Prairie Parks and RecreationDepartment Oct. 15 at NRPA’s Congressand Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland.Grand Prairie competed with Columbia,South Carolina; Centennial, Colorado;and Peoria, Illinois, to win the award inthe population group of 100,000-250,000.

To qualify as a finalist, parks andrecreation departments are evaluated on

master planning, new parks and facilitydevelopments, environmental stewardship,community partnerships, marketing,promotions and use of technology.

The City of Grand Prairie highlightedseveral projects in its application for theGold Medal Award including $50 millionin improvements to the city’s parkssystem with a 1/4 cent sales tax passedby residents, $16 million in state andfederal grants in the last five years andthe department’s active partnerships withthe school district, social clubs, other citydepartments and the Chamber ofCommerce. Grand Prairie also submittedinformation about its programs celebratingdiversity, programs for the physically

challenged, special events, informationalWeb site www.GrandFunGP.com and thedevelopment of its newest facility, the39,000-square-foot Bowles Life Center.

“It is a huge honor to receive such aprestigious national award from ourpeers,” said Rick Herold, City of GrandPrairie Parks and Recreation Director.“We have a great team of employeeswho work hard to make our parkfacilities and programs the best they can be.”

For more information about GrandPrairie Parks, visit www.GrandFunGP.comand for information about NRPA and theGold Medal Award visit www.nrpa.org.

Documents

Life is Grand Winter 2008