Fall is finally here in Highland Village! As I write this, our temperatures are cooling and it is starting to feel like autumn. While I’m not a cold weather person, I do like how the change of seasons generates a change in our attitudes and perspective.
As we move into November and the Thanksgiving holiday, the shorter days offer more time indoors with our families where we can focus on the things that truly matter.
Here in Highland Village we certainly have much to appreciate. We recently received presentations from our local non-profit organizations seeking financial support from the city. Each year we budget to provide funding to these organizations that serve our citizens.
I was amazed at the passion behind the presentations from the representatives of these organizations, many of whom volunteer their services to provide for and meet a need in our community. If you are looking for an outlet to give your skills, expertise and a little of your heart and soul, I encourage you to investigate the non-profit organizations that serve our community. They could use your help and, I promise you, the gratification you will feel in helping others will far surpass your imagination.
We are feeling thankful for the work being done to make Highland Village a better place to play. Work began at Doubletree Ranch Park late this summer. The contractor is on schedule so far and we anticipate opening the park next summer.
It was important for the City to acquire this piece of our history and develop it in a way that remembers and honors the property that once belonged to our first Mayor. Not only did Doubletree Ranch belong to our first mayor, for many years it was the social meeting place for our residents and the regional business community.
City staff, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and Council have all worked to create a multi-faceted park. Doubletree Ranch Park will include soccer fields for the sports-minded, a pavilion for family gatherings and community events, a splash area for the kids and a natural habitat viewing area to leisurely take in the beauty of the location.
You can stay up to date on the construction at the park on the city website where we have links to time-lapse videos of the construction process. We are excited about this new gem coming to Highland Village and know the community input we received played a huge role in the design of the park.
Lakeside Community Park is also now under construction. This park will serve as a trailhead, will include two pavilions and we will maintain the natural beauty found in the lakeside property.
While we are enjoying the month of thankfulness, the local business owners are gearing up for the holiday season. This is the busiest time for our retailers and restaurants and it is the perfect time for you to see what we have to offer in Highland Village. You know we’ve long said we have it all in Highland Village and I truly believe we do. I hope you’ll always look to a Highland Village business first as you prepare for holiday gatherings and gift giving. Keeping our sales tax dollars at home not only benefits the business owners who have chosen to set up shop in Highland Village, it also benefits our local economy.
The City has partnered again with the Highland Village Women’s Club and the Shops at Highland Village to hold the annual Our Village Glows on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 6:30 p.m. I hope to see you at this festive event as we ring in the Christmas season with carols from our local school choirs, pictures with Santa and the lighting of the 54-foot Christmas tree.
We also have our annual Parade of Lights holiday lighting contest again this year. It is so much fun to see the creativity of our residents as they decorate their homes for the holiday season. The fire department will once again be escorting Santa through our neighborhoods, so be sure to check the website for the date he will be on your street. And mark your calendar to visit Santa at the Highland Village fire station on Saturday, Dec. 20.
This month of Thanksgiving I would like to thank all of you for everything you do to make Highland Village a great place to live. Our community pulls together to help one another, we are friendly and encouraging to our neighbors and we believe strongly in the good that comes from giving. I am thankful to serve all of you as your Mayor. We do “have it all” in Highland Village because of each of you. I wish each of you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends and encourage you to remember your blessings and look for ways you can be a blessing to those around you.
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