Texas Take Back Initiative - Texas Recreation and Park Society

As Texas continues the steady process of restoring our cities, departments and communities, Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) has launched the Texas Take Back Initiative.

What is the ‘Texas Take Back’ Initiative?

TRAPS’ year-long response to the question, ‘What can we do to help?’. This 4-part, volunteer/donor initiative is for any department, agency or member, aiming to continue the ‘#TexasStrong’ pursuit of good for Texans who need it most.

View Take Back Texas Impacted Cities Listing

What are the four major opportunities to participate?

Sister City Outreach: Cities with like populations or staff may be paired with an impacted city for support and restorative tasks

Professional Development Scholarships: An individual or agency may sponsor scholarship for education-based events throughout the TRAPS calendar year

Cash or Service Donations: Cash may be given to specific, impacted cities for purchases of new equipment, tools for rebuilding, office supplies and more.

Spirit of Texas Opportunities: An individual or agency may share the ‘Spirit of Texas’ with neighboring community for an act of kindness or giving (e.g. staff lunch, respite alternatives, etc.)

Where can I register myself or an agency?

During the month of September, register your department online to partner with impacted cities or agencies at the link below.

Texas Take Back Sign Up

Is there a flyer to share?

The Texas Take Back Flyer is available at the link below.
Download Take Back Texas Flyer (PDF)

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, email Michal Anne Lord, executive director for TRAPS, or contact the State Office at 512-267-5550.

May I view a listing of cities in need?

Cities in need of aid are listed below.

General Donations

$2,000 received from the Greater Gulf Coast Parks and Recreation Directors’ Association
Gift Card given anonymously for purchase of water vests etc.

Special Request:

The TR Branch is pledging a portion of the proceeds from their Institute fund raiser to the Texas Take Back Initiative. The Branch wants to target the funds they raise towards individuals with disabilities; and therefore is looking for an agency/city that was impacted by Hurricane Harvey and serves individuals with disabilities to assist. Please contact TRAPS if you know of some entity that fits this target group.

Baytown

Flooding including some employees’ homes; a lot of muck/silt to clean-up;

¨ SISTER CITY NEED: some repairs needed on boat dock/ramps, pavilions…

¨ SISTER CITY NEED: Roslyn Park Pavilion; cleaning mud and fishing piers; the park will be closed until then

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:
Has Not Been Assisted Register to Assist

Bay City

Lost park rangers home, damage to boat dock …

¨ SPRIT OF TEXAS/CASH DONATION NEED: looking for assistance in getting quotes for a modular home/ some type of replacement;

¨ SPIRIT OF TEXAS/CASH DONATION NEED: Quotes needed to replace a boat dock

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:

Kraftsman Playgrounds has sent a team of volunteers to assist Baytown PARD with repairs and clean-up

Photos Courtesy of Barbara Sanderson, Galveston PARD

Bellaire

some areas had over 8 ft. of water … lost 50% of park vehicles due to flooding; Swimming pools (2)were hit the hardest of PARD facilities – pumps and motors under 6’ of water; Evergreen Park under a couple of feet of water as well.

The parks & facilities were fine after a little bleach. A list of things that we are in need of replacing that might be easy to send.

SISTER CITY/CASH OR GIFT DONATION NEED:

Lifeguard tubes
Back boards
Fanny packs
First aid supplies
Pace Clocks
Kick Boards
Life Jackets
Water Exercise equipment
Storage bins
Pool Loungers
Umbrellas

Thank you for reaching out to us here in Bellaire.

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:

Pool Lane Ropes (10) from Texas State University were repurposed to Bellaire PARD pools.

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Sanderson, Galveston PARD

Friendswood

CASH/GIFT DONATION NEED:

a 15×25 USA flags and a 12×18 Texas flags and a 12×18 Friendswood flags

5x8flag – 1 each of USA, Texas and Friendswood flag

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:
Has Not Been Assisted Register to Assist

The Houston skyline in the wake of Hurricane Harvey

Harris County WCID #110

Facilities, pool and tennis court were flooded. 1 Million is available to cover damages, but 400k is still needed to recover amenities above. Pavilion was not lost, but security cameras and other electrical items were lost.

CASH DONATION NEEDS:

Priorities: Restoring 34 acre park (located at intersection of Cypress Creek and 45) and locating education or opportunities for grants to cover remaining non-insured needs. No volunteers needed at the moment.

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:
Has Not Been Assisted Register to Assist

Capurted by family of TRAPS members; the Port Aransas PARD Office

Ingleside PARD

CASH/DONATION NEEDS:

soccer goals, roof for little league concession stand and athletic equipment (all were lost);
lost umbrellas to new splash pad-which opened in June;
boat ramp needs to be rebuilt

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:

Gift Card given to buy initial baseball and softball equipment to start youth leagues in Ingleside

Rosenberg PARD

Tony Becerra Park totally under water; other facilities area have lots of mud & silt to clean-up; sports complex transformer out –no lights until repairs … hopefully back on line by 9/16. Some employees’ homes were flooded.

SISTER CITY/CASH OR DONATION NEEDS:

Community Rebuild Day for park on 9/30 –lots of mud & silt…VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED report to Becerra Park, 2000 Avenue A, Rosenberg 77471 @ 8 am will go thru mid-afternoon.

*Volunteers are advised to bring gloves, drinking water and sunscreen for personal use.

Status of Texas Take Back Assistance:

Gift Card given for purchase of cleaning supplies for Rosenberg’s City Park Clean-up on September 30^th