News Flash

The final report on the Wellness and Recreation Feasibility Study is now available below as well as at this link.

The final community workshop for the Wellness/Recreation Center Feasibility Study took place on Monday, April 21 at the Taylor Public Library. This workshop reviewed the study's findings and offered a final chance to share any additional feedback.

The study found strong community support—87% of respondents see value in a City of Taylor wellness/recreation center, with top priorities including improved health, fitness, and family activities. Most requested amenities include a recreational pool, group exercise spaces, and fitness equipment, while top program needs are adult fitness classes, arts and crafts, senior programs, and space for special events.

View the presentation here.

Watch a recording of the meeting here: https://youtu.be/WhNdQ5vJ3L4?feature=shared

The second community meeting for the Wellness and Recreation Center Feasibility Study was held last night on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. At the meeting, the results of the months-long survey were presented. The survey launched on September 25 at the last community meeting. There were two components, a statistically valid survey with targeted participants based on their demographics that reflect that of the community. This was a statistically valid survey with a 95% confidence level of accuracy. The second part was an online survey that anyone could take. The online survey will end next week before Thanksgiving. The results of both surveys will be publicly available soon. 

The team also presented preliminary analysis of the survey data combined with information gathered at the last public meeting and direction from the steering committee. Check out the video below to watch the presentation.

At the end of the meeting, there was a short activity to gain feedback on the spaces that were identified as a top priority, what people liked best, what people didn't like, etc. 

View the presentation here.

Watch the recording here: https://youtu.be/n5JIoMM0lmg

Public Meeting Recap

The first public meeting meeting about the Wellness and Recreation Center Study was a huge success. We had over 65 people in attendance and received invaluable input that will be included in the final results of the study. At the event, participants learned about the scope of the study, who is involved, the timeline, and opportunities for public participation. They also made their voices heard during a collaborative exercise where they wrote answers to questions on sticky notes and prioritized programming and recreation spaces around the room. The next public meeting will be held on November 20th at the Library at 6:30pm.

Public Survey

The public survey is now live! We have two surveys running simultaneously. The first is a scientifically valid survey with a random sampling of the community asked to participate to get a general idea of the community's thoughts and opinions. We are also providing a publicly accessible survey for everyone to participate in who are interested. The goal of this survey is to get the thoughts and opinions of those who care the most about the subject. These results will be presented at the next public meeting on November 20th. 

What is next for the project?

The next step in the project includes the public survey and recreation center tours. Our steering committee, selected by the City Council, along with staff and our consultants will be touring a variety of recreation centers in the DFW area to see what works, what doesn't work, and identify things that they would like to see in Taylor and things that they do not want to see. These tours will be held on October 23-24.

The Wellness and Recreation Center Study is funded by Donations from Samsung for Quality of Life improvements. At the July 11 meeting, the City Council determined that the steering committee for the Wellness and Recreation Center Study would be comprised of an appointee from each council member along with Michele Glaze of Samsung. Below is a list of their appointees.

• Jim Buzan - appointed by Mayor Dwayne Ariola
• John Matthews - appointed by Mayor Pro-Tem Kelly Cmerek
• Quincy Griffin - appointed by Councilman Gerald Anderson
• John McDonald - appointed by Councilwoman Shelli Cobb
• Julie Rydell - appointed by Councilman Robert Garcia
• Michele Glaze - Samsung

Now that the committee is appointed, we are able to establish a better timeline for the study. The timeline below includes internal and external milestones. Public participation is welcome at the September 25 public meeting, the November 20 public meeting, the public survey, the City Council Meeting on January 9, and the final City Council presentation. These meetings and events will be advertised through our website, social media, and city newsletter.