Message from the Mayor

Spring has sprung and so far, knock on wood, the temperatures haven't been too bad. Fortunately we have had lots of rain to help keep the temps down and bring out all the colors of spring. But summer is just around the corner and I think we'll have another long hot summer. Now that I think about it they are all hot. Some are just hotter than others. Either way, it'll be here before we know it.

June marks a full year (and 18 days) that I have had the pleasure of serving as the Mayor of Watauga. Who would have believed back then that in 9 short months we would be in the throes of a worldwide pandemic, be faced with over 2 months of "shelter in place" and all the disruption in our lives associated with it? I know I wouldn't. We in Texas, particularly Tarrant County have been blessed to have weathered the storm as well as we have, especially when you compare us to some of the other large metropolitan areas around the country. And that wasn't by accident. It was strong leadership from the Governor down to your city officials making tough decisions at critical times to keep our communities safe. We still have some rough seas ahead of us but there is light at the end of the tunnel. If we all continue to pull together we will get through this. June also sees us heading into phase 2 of Governor Abbott's "Reopen Texas". This is a big step in our quest to return to what was our normal before COVID-19. You can get all the latest information on it at https://gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas.

As for Watauga, the Emergency Management Team has lifted all the restrictions at our parks and playgrounds with the exceptions of restrooms at Capp Smith Park. They will remain closed for now. Our library is providing curbside service, our animal shelter is now open and the recreation center is open for very limited services. Ball fields and soccer fields are also available for use. All other city functions are back to normal.

I would also like to say CONGRATULATIONS to the Birdville and Keller graduating Class of 2020. Who would have ever thought you would finish your 2 months of your senior year this way. High school graduation is a special life event and you should be proud of your accomplishments. Congratulations and good luck on your future endeavors.

Two special events for June are National PTSD Awareness month with June 27^th recognized as National PTSD Awareness Day and our own Texas only celebration "Juneteenth" also known as Freedom Day. I will be issuing proclamations for both events.

JUNE 8, 2020

WORKSHOP
5:30 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING
6:30 P.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

7105 WHITLEY ROAD

Milestone Business Anniversaries

20 Years

Ying Cafe
6651 Hightower, Suite 300

10 Years
The Chicken Place
6717 Rufe Snow

5 Years
Salon 57
5720 Watauga Road, Suite 200

Tandy Leather Co.
6900 Denton Hwy

Business Spotlight

Boost Mobile
6900 Denton Hwy, Suite 240

An Exciting New Summer Reading Club

This summer won't be what you expected, but we think you and your family will still have a great time participating in the Watauga Public Library's summer reading club! The library will be using a new online tool called BeanStack to bring you an entirely online summer reading experience. With this transition from our more traditional paper-based reading logs to a new online reading tracker, you will be able to access and record your reading using a device and internet connection. You can also participate in fun challenges for a chance to earn prizes.

Previously, families that traveled during the summer and home-bound individuals had to miss out on the summer reading club because it was entirely paper based and events occurred in-person at the library. Now with internet access from your home or using a library computer (contingent upon the library's reopening to the public) you can participate in the club. You will be able to watch library events and performances from the comfort of your own home via the library's social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). This summer we feel using BeanStack and hosting virtual programming is the best way to offer library services without putting the community at risk. Some of our events that are normally held during the summer such as Big Vehicle Day will be offered in the fall or winter.

Our Summer Reading Club is for all ages and will kick off this year on June 22, 2020.

By the way, paper reading logs will be still be available for people that do not have internet access or for those who prefer participating on paper.

The Community Center is Open!

With the safety of our staff and patrons in mind, use of the facility is still limited. The weight and cardio room are open, and the gymnasium will be open for limited scheduled activities. There are no classes or programs at the facility. Please look over the information below. The Community Center will operate by the below guidelines until further notice.

Modified Business Hours

Monday - Friday
6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
6:00 - 8:00 AM for ages 55+ only

The workout rooms will be closed 10:00 - 11:00 AM for cleaning.

There will be limited available gym time. Please check our website for the schedule.

Operations

Occupancy is limited to 10 people in the workout rooms and 8 people in the gym.
Annual Membership holders only. No day passes.
Ages 14 & up in the gym, unless accompanied with a parent. (Both must have a membership)
No towels will be given out.
No locker room/showers available.
No outside basketballs allowed.
No pickup games permitted; shoot around only.
Appointments are available, but not required, by the hour via Signup Genius for the workout rooms.
To book an appointment select HERE

If you have any questions, please call 817-514-5828.

Disney Trivia Night!

Join the Parks and Recreation Department on June 11th at 6:30 PM as they go live on their Facebook page to host a trivia night! The theme is Disney. The 3 people who answer the most questions correctly will win a prize! (If there is a tie, winners will be randomly selected.)

Visit their Facebook page for more information!

Build Your Own Robot Contest

The Watauga Parks & Recreation Department is challenging the kids in our city to build their very own robot by using materials that can be found around the house (get digging into that recycle bin!)

One winner will be chosen for each of the following categories: Most Creative, Cutest, Scariest, and Most Futuristic. Submit a picture to the Recreation Department Facebook page or email MLanders@wataugatx.org to enter. Winners will receive a prize. The contest will run June 8th - June 19th, and the winners will be announced June 22nd.

Join the Coloring Craze!

Each month the Recreation Department will post a new coloring page. Print out, color, and share a picture of the completed page on the Recreation Department Facebook to be entered into a drawing for a gift basket! June's gift basket theme will be arts and crafts. If you are unable to print the coloring page, the Recreation Department will have a folder located outside the Community Center where you can pick one up.

I Scream, You Scream, Let's Do the Ice Cream Scream Challenge!

We know that it's been tough staying cooped up indoors during the quarantine. Sometimes it makes you just want to scream! We thought it would be fun to have a screaming contest to win some ice cream! Submit a 3 to 5-second video to the Watauga Recreation Departments Facebook page between June 29th and July 9th to win a sweet treat. Winners will be announced on July 10th.