“Where Community Grows”: City of Plano starts art contest

Plano - Embracing this year's National Park and Recreation Month theme, "Where Community Grows," Plano Parks and Recreation is championing local creativity by launching an art contest. Inviting artists of all ages, skills, and experiences, the department seeks unique artistic portrayals of what Plano's park and recreation landscape means to the community.

Plano residents are urged to encapsulate their individual experiences of parks and recreation into vibrant art forms. In return, a host of exciting rewards await, including annual recreation passes, pool cabana rentals, and various giveaways. Moreover, the creator of the most compelling piece will have the privilege of their artwork gracing the 2024 Summer Catalog, an honor beyond any physical prize.

The contest, which culminates on Sunday, July 30 at 5 p.m., is divided into three age groups: 5-12, 13-18, and 19 and above. The contest organizers welcome a broad spectrum of mediums, from pencil, chalk, paint, and digital formats to textiles and recycled materials, to accommodate the diversity of artistic expression.

Artists can submit their creations by providing essential details including their name, age category, contact information, and a brief description of their piece. Submissions can be sent via email with a high-resolution photograph of the work to parksinfo@plano.gov, with "Art Contest Submission" in the subject line. Alternatively, entries can be hand-delivered to the Plano Parks and Recreation main office at 5901 Los Rios Blvd., or any local recreation centers.

“Local parks are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family to celebrate life’s special moments as well as spots of respite and healing,” Plano Parks and Recreation Director Ron Smith said. “This is the perfect time to reflect on and appreciate all the ways our community is stronger, more vibrant and more resilient because of parks and recreation.”

To join the online festivities, locals are invited to follow Plano Parks and Recreation on Facebook and Instagram. These platforms will showcase the submitted art and offer interesting facts and activity suggestions throughout the National Park and Recreation Month.

Community members can add to the narrative by tagging the department and using the hashtag #WhereCommunityGrows. To further amplify the summer fun, they are also invited to download the "150 Ways to Summer Fun Checklist," available on www.plano.gov/150.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, City of Plano, Plano Parks and Recreation